Damaris and Gray's Housing Fund

THIS FUNDRAISER IS URGENT + TIME SENSITIVE

 

My name is Calli Scofidio and I'm fundraising on behalf of one of my vocal students, Gray, and their mother, Damaris. All of the following info has been shared with the explicit consent of the individuals mentioned.

 

Gray is an incredibly talented 16-year-old songwriter and singer whose family has fallen on a mountain of hardship. In September of 2021, Gray's father passed away unexpectedly. This loss profoundly impacted the mental health of both Gray and their mother, who has been unable to work since his death.

 

I have worked with Gray every week for the past year through my job as a music mentor with Guitars Over Guns Organization. As a non-binary student in the "Don't Say Gay" state, Gray has experienced discrimination and ridicule just for being open about their gender identity. Gray is a survivor who has endured more trauma than some people do in a lifetime. They've kept their beautiful spirit thriving through music, and I feel grateful every day I get to teach them.

 

Recently, Gray and Damaris have been informed that they lost their current housing, and would have to move. They were given a little over a month to find somewhere new. Thankfully, they have found a property that works with their Section 8 status. However, they are required to pay a large deposit upfront. Damaris has already put forward half of the money for the deposit, but still needs help with the second half. They URGENTLY need $1750 to pay this deposit by July 1 and an additional $350 to assist with moving costs.

 

PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING IF YOU ARE ABLE. Every little bit helps.

 

I'll leave off with lyrics that Gray wrote in a song about their father's passing.

 

"You, you have your highs, you have your flaws

But that doesn't mean you don't care at all

You have it back, but I said no

It doesn't mean you had to go

Go into the great beyond

Still I don't know who you are."