Donate to Keep Pooja and Kenobi Housed and Fed

Hi! I'm Pooja and this is my dog, Kenobi.

You're probably wondering what that photo is all about. Well, Like Kenobi, here, I have been presented with an irresistible job opportunity and I'm this close *pinches thumb and pointer finger to show minuscule space while squinting my eyes dramatically*, yet so far away. I can see it happening but there is a barrier standing between Kenobi, myself, and our next meal and shelter.

I've been looking for a stable job for the past 6 months--which isn't fun by the way, and I finally found one! (I know, but hold the streamers) The catch is that I haven't been able to pay for the employee verification items that I need to get started.

My BIG Ask

My employer provided a list of items and approved vendors to complete the following:

TOTAL: $320.70- 380.70

All of these items are needed before I can be fully onboarded for the local school system. I initially asked for $400 to cover the application and onboarding costs. However, I noted that GoFundMe (understandably) has fees. Therefore, I’m requesting $550 to cover those. If possible, the remainder will be used for public transportation, some basic clothing from the local thrift store, and (hopefully) a basic/sensible pair of flats.

For those of you wanting a deeper understanding of what led to this and what I've done to support myself, please feel free to continue past this TLDR section.

How did we get here?

Like far too many folx out there, we have been through the wringer over the past few years, but we keep each other going.

After relocating from the middle of nowhere to a beautiful city out west, I lost my job due to COVID's impact on my previous employer and our overall industry. I've worked really hard to avoid homelessness, which is both scary and triggering for me.

What I've Done

I've taken courses to upskill while studying for the LSAT (got a score in the 89th percentile by the way). I've gotten Google certificates, volunteered in hopes of gaining a permanent position, and joined weekly career development workshops and job-hunting support groups (yes, there is such a thing and I know...I was surprised, too). These struggles have prevented me from applying to law school and gaining a long-term career. It's hard to focus on that when you're facing housing and food insecurity.

Additionally, I've taken freelance odd jobs, served as a consultant for 25% of my normal pay rate, tutored, and written more cover letters and resumes than I thought I would in a lifetime. I've been through interview processes that last more than 4 rounds, given presentations, and reached out for state support. I've done all of this while going through a tough divorce and getting help for CPTSD related to homelessness I experienced at an impressionable age.

Recently, I've been struggling with CPTSD symptoms that have impacted my ability to function successfully. I was triggered when I learned that my contractor position was in danger of being cut due to budgetary issues. I was afraid of becoming homeless again.

Growing up and during the mortgage crisis, my single mom lost her business and our home. That winter, I saw my mom go from a successful entrepreneur to a broken person. She pivoted into not-so-glamorous positions where she wasn't treated the best. My mom sacrificed her identity to make sure I had food and heat in the winter months. Now, as an adult, I have trouble asking for help because I saw how people treated my mom. But, I'm here now trying to make things happen because, like my mom, I have to do everything within my power to make life work for me. I don't have full control over this situation but I have full control over how I respond to it.

So, here we go...

What's At Stake? (besides Kenobi's kibble)

I haven't been able to make rent for a few months and I'm facing eviction. While my landlord had a case, her attorney decided to go a step further and circumvent the proper legal course of action so they could get a default judgment. This action denied me an opportunity to request mediation or make payment arrangements. I also will have a tough time finding someone to rent to me for the next 7 years, unless I find a way to obtain legal support. This is why I want to become an attorney for people who can't defend themselves. As I seek legal support for this matter, I only have 2 weeks to move (a thankful extension from the 5 days I had originally). I need to find a new place and a way to cover the first and last month's rent, security deposit, and moving costs.

Kenobi and I have recently made friends, which is nice because our family doesn't live in this state with us. However, we don't know them well enough to ask for support. People are judgemental. I'd much rather ask someone I know or remain anonymous here and ask you. Either way, I refuse to give up.

Once I pay for and complete everything I listed above, I will be placed at a school. At that point, I can ask for housing support from local organizations that require that applicants have stable employment. Also, this would provide me with proof of income needed to complete applications for apartments and other forms of housing.

We would sincerely appreciate your support!

Sincerely,

Pooja and Kenobi