My name is Donnell Alexander. I'm a writer and podcaster based in Los Angeles. People seem to appreciate my in-depth, socially-aware storytelling, especially since 2022's last quarter. Excellent assignments are on my plate for 2023, too, but I could not afford my downtown apartment anymore and gave it up at last month's end.

In each calendar year that I've lived there—inside a 100-year-old factory—I won a significant journalism award. But the work I perform happens to play out in a journalism industry that's as unwell as it is necessary. Compensation tends to show up erratically.

I've my belongings and next week will hop on a train. There's reporting to undertake in Central and Northern California. In Oregon, I need to do publicity for the new Oregon State Univerity Press book whose foreword I wrote. If there's time, I'd also like to tackle a story in Washington.

This is a business trip born out of necessity. To make it happen I'm spending on travel, storage and February rent, along with a bit for food and shelter. A few friends should be able to offer me spare rooms and couches to sleep on. One's given me run of his suburban Oregon place for a few weeks.

My aim is to return to Southern California by late May. My daughter is set to graduate and a couple of great magazine stories ought to have me paid. Next stop: A more affordable living situation.

I'm not a person who needs to live in great comfort. I do need to tell relevant true stories and, of course, have food and shelter while I gather them. This fundraising is a critical bridge in helping me work in good-paying venues for the long haul. That last quarter of last year ought to work as a springboard.

If you appreciate what I'm doing and cannot contribute, do consider sharing my campaign. If crowdfunding platforms are not your jam, contributing via @Donnell-Alexander on Venmo is awesome. Thank you for assisting me with this project.