Help me remain stably housed

(Updated 11/20)

In 2021, a pair of eucalytpus trees fell on the condo I shared with my mom. I was forced to give up my german shepherd and move into temporary housing. The situation wasn't sustainable, and my now-ex helped me to move to TX with him. 6 months later, when his company recalled him back to NYC, he convinced me to leave my car in TX, and we drove his car to NYC.

Over time, he dropped COVID precautions and eventually brought home COVID, and I developed Long COVID. This, on top of preexisting disabilities, left me unable to find employment, which made my ex furious as he felt I was being lazy. He became physically and verbally abusive, so I kicked him out.

He had been purposely withholding rent and utility payments for months to try to force me to leave. Now I'm facing more than $11,000 in rent and utility arrears, and Dec. 1 eviction, despite having a lease renewal. I've qualified for a homelessness prevention program, but my qualification is conditional based on having outside grants/contributions. I am still trying to find a remote job with flexible hours, and I've applied for public benefits.

Staying in this apartment is vitally important for me. This unit is accessible and I've taken steps to make it more COVID-safe. Eviction would mean losing that safety and accessibility. I've also been told that I cannot bring my meds into a shelter.

I owe nearly $700 in utility arrears and my utilities are about to be turned off, and $11,000 in rent arrears. My goal is to reach $8,000 by Nov. 28 so I can pay the utility arrears, and make a good faith payment to my landlord.

PLEASE...Help me remain in my current apartment and avoid utility shut-offs!

Thank you so much for your support!