I chose the human services field because I wanted to be part of the solution. In my past, I took a lot from the community—my journey has taken me through foster care, juvenile hall, and 14 years in prison. I know what it’s like to be the person sitting in the chair across from a case manager, feeling overwhelmed by the system.

​After my release, I went back to school for a Human Services degree because I felt a deep responsibility to give back. I’ve spent the last several years working with organizations like the Salvation Army, LifeMoves, and PATH, using my "lived experience" to help our most vulnerable neighbors find their own way to stability. For me, this work isn't just a career; it’s how I balance the scales and show up for the community I once let down.

Recently, a 40% city budget cut hit my previous nonprofit employer hard, and I was among those laid off. While I've been through worse, things are tough right now and a series of events hit all at once:

​Employment Delay: I got a pending job offer with HealthRIGHT 360 in their Outreach division—a position I'm sure I'll love because I'll work directly with clients facing the same challenges I once did. However, due to background check delays my start date has been pushed back twice already. Fortunately that has now been resolved and I'll be starting in early April.

​A Housing Crisis: Having been laid off due to budget cuts I fell behind on my rent and my rental assistance (SF ERAP) was surprisingly denied due to a mishandling of my file and change of ownership issues that are out of my control. Fortunately advocates are now helping me to have that denial looked at and reversed.

​Veterinary Emergencies: I needed to take my furbaby, aka Smokey, for an emergency vet care visit that drained my remaining funds.

​Rideshare Barriers: I’ve been driving for Uber and Lyft to keep my head above water, but I simply do not have the funds to cover my upcoming car registration and the new tires I need to keep driving safely.

​The Bridge to April

I am so close to being back on my feet and back in the field helping the community. I just need a some help to fill the remaining gap until I start with HealthRIGHT 360 in a few more weeks and without new tires I can't even Lyft or Uber to keep up with my expenses. I've stayed in a homeless shelter before, and I'm good with that for myself—but I can't take my pets with me to a shelter, and I have no one to care for them. If it weren't for my pets, I would just stay in my car to ride out this rough patch, but then I wouldn't be able to Lyft or Uber.

​How Your Donation Helps:

​Housing Security: Covering back rent to prevent eviction while I appeal the city's denial.

​Work Vehicle: Replacing tires and renewing registration so I can continue earning through rideshare until my first paychecks in April.

​Pet Health & Essentials: Paying off recent emergency vet bills and ensuring Smokey and my cats have the food and care they need.​

Your support is truly appreciated and my pets can't talk but they I know they appreciate being able to stay housed in their new home instead of having to pack up and get used to a new place. Thank you for the well wishes and continued support.