Avoiding a crisis after a layoff

Hi, my name is Chris, and I'm fundraising to avoid eviction of our home, and repossession of our vehicle. In January of this year, I was laid off due to budget cuts related to COVID. At the time, I applied to a rental assistance program and was told I would be approved. I let my landlord know, and my landlord completed their part of the paperwork. I started a new job in March and was told I would receive assistance covering rent for January, February, and March. A couple of months later, my landlord let me know they still had not received any of the promised rent assistance. Eventually the program ended (without ever paying out), and I was told there was nothing they could do at that point. In August, I committed to paying an extra half month's rent every month until I was caught up. Then I was laid off for the second time this year. I could pay in August and September because I still had money remaining from my previous job. Still, my unemployment wasn't enough to cover my rent (much less my utilities, diapers, etc.). October went unpaid, and I began seeking rental assistance. I was supposed to complete this process in October, but then our household came down with COVID. I was able to return; however, at this point, they would only help with November in the amount of $265. Throughout November, my landlord started receiving pressure from their bank because the rent had fallen four and a half months behind. Back rent ($1,850 per month) owed now totals $8,325. Because of this, my landlord is threatening eviction. Additionally, car payments have fallen behind, and $540 is immediately due to avoid repossession.

If evicted, we wouldn't be able to find anywhere else to live because I haven't started working anywhere yet. If we lost our vehicle, we'd be a family of four on the street (our boys are 1 and 2, and both autistic). We do not have family that we could stay with or family that could assist. Local charities are stretched thin already and unable to help.

These funds would be used to get current on our lease and car loan and to have a little padding until I start work so that I can still cover bills and expenses (like diapers).

Part of what I deal with as someone with Autism and ADHD is Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria. It makes it incredibly hard for me to ask for help. I'm asking now because I'm out of options, and I don't want my family to lose our home in the grip of an Iowa winter right before the holidays. Any help is appreciated more than you'll ever know.

12/22 Edit: Changing the original goal amount to reflect additional costs as time has passed since the original posting