Help Ivan Get Back on His Feet After a Year of Struggles.

Happy New Year I wish you and yours well!

My name is Ivan, and I’m reaching out for your support as I face eviction and work to rebuild my life.

I’m an artist, filmmaker, and actor. I love talking about history, politics, and games like Street Fighter. I create bounce remixes and dream of connecting with people through my passions. But life has thrown some heavy challenges my way, and I’m at risk of losing not just my home, but my ability to keep pursuing these dreams.

My Story

In November 2021, I moved into an apartment above the Chiu Quon Bakery in Chicago’s New Chinatown. The place seemed like a fresh start, but I soon discovered the reality was far worse. The apartment was riddled with unlivable conditions:

• Broken Furnace – I endured freezing winters without heat.

• Rats and Roaches – Infestations in the HVAC and ceiling, even roaches falling from gaps in the drop ceiling.

• Raw Sewage Leaks – Plumbing issues caused sewage to leak into the bakery below and my apartment, creating black mold and health hazards.

• Bird Mites – Improperly sealed windows allowed wildlife infestations, leading to bites, sores, and worsening health.

Despite these conditions, my landlord refused to make proper repairs. I tried negotiating a fair lease and withheld rent under Chicago’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO), but this led to legal battles that drained my resources and energy.

I represented myself in court, providing evidence of the apartment’s unlivable state, but procedural errors cost me the case. Meanwhile, I was struggling with worsening health, unstable work, and mounting stress. My attempts to secure rental assistance were denied due to incomplete landlord paperwork and timing issues.

Why I Need Your Help

Now, I’ve lost everything. I’m being evicted, I can’t afford to appeal my case, and I don’t have the resources to move or start fresh. I want to secure a safe apartment, pay off outstanding bills, and stabilize my life so I can focus on rebuilding.

I have serious medical issues with my back. ankylosing spondylitis, degenerative disc disease with multiple herniated and compressed discs, with sciatica and chronic neuropathy.

I take Gabapentin, Cyclobenzaprine, Tylenol with Codine #3, and prescription strength Ibuprofen in addition to having an Illinois medical marijuana card.

I have the proof of all that too. MRI reports, X-Rays, The findings, my doctor visits are recorded and logged. Everything. My back problems lead to shoulder issues, cervical issues, foot, ankle and knee problems. I take an active approach to my recovery I go to Physical Therapy, I exercise and stretch regularly. I lost weight and keep it down. I try everything to maintain myself and to mitigate my condition because this is life long for me.

I’m asking for your support to:

1. Secure housing and avoid homelessness.

2. Cover essential expenses to get back on my feet.

3. Help share my story and raise awareness about tenant rights and housing issues.

Even if you can’t donate, sharing this campaign or following me on social media would mean the world:

• TikTok: @iketotally

• Instagram: @windows95plus

• YouTube: @iketotally

What I’ve Learned and My Goals

This experience has been humbling. It’s made me realize how much I’ve let fear and pride hold me back from asking for help. I want to grow from this and use my platform to share what I’ve learned with others facing similar struggles.