I'm Sabrina Holiday. I'm a 71-year-old Chicago-born former homecare provider currently facing possible homelessness in Portland due to loss of income subsequent to the devastating loss of the last living close relative I had—my disabled older brother, Edward. Starting in 2010, I had been Edward's full-time in-home caregiver, a proud 503SEIU member employed by the state of Oregon. When Edward became ill and passed away, I found myself in profound grief. Not only had I lost my brother, I lost my identity to a large degree. I tried to secure family emergency medical leave pay. I fell behind in rent for the first time in the 12 years I have lived in this apartment, and management has tried to be as accommodating as possible, but the simple truth is that this was an apartment for two of us, and now it's just me.

I've got some options and have reached out to a variety of assistance programs. I've got applications in at properties and agencies. But with an eviction on my rental history, I will be required to pay an increased amount upon move-in.

I receive what resources I can through the state and other agencies, and have MealsOnWheels doing food delivery for me. I'm requesting any donations folks are willing to give that will be used to pay security deposit, fees, including utility start-up, and related move-in costs.