Artist Jose Mertz Needs Help After Losing Everything

Help Me Rebuild After Losing Everything

Hi, my name is Jose Mertz. I am a visual artist based out of Miami, FL, and I’ve been through more than I ever thought possible over the past few months. This summer, my apartment in North Miami collapsed during a storm, leaving me with nothing—my personal belongings, clothes, years of art, and all my equipment were destroyed. I had human feces in my kitchen sink, roaches and pipes explode in the apartment leaving a dangerous and unsanitary environment for me and a 14 year old. Since then, I’ve been struggling to get back on my feet, fighting for work and assistance, but nothing has come through.

I moved to Los Angeles hoping to create a new start, find work, and make a difference. Unfortunately, I’ve been facing even more hardships—battling sickness from the fires, being separated from my son for the past three months, and now, dealing with the aftermath of these devastating fires. I’ve been staying on a friend’s couch for the past six months, but I’m at a point where I can no longer keep going without help.

I’ve always been someone who dislikes asking for help, but right now, I have no other option. I’m struggling with illness, have no funds, and can’t even afford a ticket to go back to Miami, where I’m from. All I want is to find a safe, clean space where I can bring my son, who I miss so much, and finally rebuild. The living conditions I experienced before were unbearable—an apartment filled with infrastructure damage, sanitary issues, insects, and a negligent landlord for the entire year. I’ve been living in a nightmare for months, and I’m just looking for a fresh start.

I’m asking for any help, whether big or small, to help me get back on my feet. Donations will go towards securing a small place for me and my son, getting back on my feet financially, and getting my life back together.

Thank you so much for your attention, generosity, and support during this incredibly tough time. It means more than words can express.

With gratitude,

Jose Mertz