Housed for the Holidays - Michelle

Update: we met our fundraising goal! Thank you to everyone who donated and shared! Fundraisers like these are challenging because $2500 is both a lot of money and not a lot for someone starting from scratch, or in debt. For example, apartment application fees are non-refundable, and Michelle has applied to five apartments, already spending $150. Her vehicle was towed, leaving her to look for a vehicle in order to work. She found a vehicle, but at $800, along with living and medical expenses, she no longer has the savings for her first month and deposit. Her current plan is to stay at a long term stay motel in the new year. As a result, we're raising her fundraising goal to $3500, to rebuild a small savings from which she can apply to and pay for an apartment. Please donate if you can, and share if you can't!

I am a volunteer with Everett Free Grocery Program, a free grocery distribution program in Lincoln, running this fundraiser for a close neighbor.

Imagine this: You’re taking care of yourself and helping an adult daughter with her family. Your car gets stolen, so you file a routine police report - or so you think. Little did you know that this simple interaction would lead to your being “asked to move” out of your apartment and into your (recovered) car, losing your job, and experiencing vehicular homelessness, combined with racist, sexist, and classist harassment ever since.

That’s what happened to our neighbor Michelle. Michelle comes to EFGP distro regularly, and helps keep her family, neighbors, and community together. As a Black, disabled, unhoused woman, the social safety net in this city is threadbare for people like Michelle. Despite this, she advocates for herself and for her family with patience and grace. Our goal for this fundraiser is to secure a deposit and basic living expenses to help her get back on her feet and get her physically back into the community that cherishes her.

$2000 will secure a deposit and two months of rent.

$500 will go towards fixing her car and furnishing the apartment.

Thank you for helping us keep each other safe!