Emergency Fund (Laptop, Housing, Car)

Hi y’all, for those who may not know, the first week of January I very suddenly lost both of my jobs (effectively all of my income) within 48 hours, weeks before having to move from my old house, have been in-between housing since and am now coming up on my 3rd move in 3 months.

(it feels suuuper vulnerable to put all of this into the world right now and share it with folks. but I am reminding myself that it’s okay to ask for help )

I’m super fortunate to have found soft places to land in the in between and while staying in those places I formed a game plan- hone in on all of my skill sets, stay super disciplined, be as frugal as I can and I should be able to save enough to be able to move into a long term lease.

But despite taking every gig I can, keeping a positive mind set, taking every side job, being as focused and organized as possible, working as much as possible, I realized the other night that I still haven’t recovered financially because of the big life things that have come up and set me back- my MacBook laptop died which has left me without a way to do any freelance work (I’ve been borrowing a friends right now). I’ve been unable to afford to get my car up and going and have as a result had to Uber to get to work- basically just losing funds while trying to make funds.

Basically, I keep finding myself with no financial foundation as I try to navigate being nomadic and the absolutely insanity that is housing in Austin right now- And after dealing with it quietly for 3 months, a 3rd move coming up shortly, it is taking a pretty big toll on me and my mental health.

I was talking to a friend last night about all I’ve been dealing with and when they asked “what’s the thing that would help the most now” it made me realize- asking for financial support right now would be one of the most helpful things and contrary to my hyper-independence, it is okay to ask for help.

all the funds from this would go towards helping me get a new MacBook laptop, put aside money for a security deposit on housing, pay for car things and have a small amount to contribute to savings to build off again.

I’m incredibly grateful for the gigs and projects I’ve been a part of and I know I will find something fulltime and stable soon- financial support would truly help my peace of mind as I get through this challenging time.

A gofundme as been the last option on my list because it feels pretty strange to be this open about finances. I worried a lot about how I might share this- and then folks might see my IG of me getting an iced latte as a treat, or thrifting, or on a plane to Chicago (because I’m in a wedding this weekend) and then I realized that 1. You’re allowed to have little treats especially in the time of hard times and also, I would never judge anyone I know for buying something that gives them a little joy here and there. And so neither would my friends judge me. And we can trust in our people that they are doing what they need and the best they can. :)

thank you so much for reading all this- I’m starting to get emotional writing it not because of the possibility of a fundraiser but because of the certainty of the community I’ve been lucky to have met in this life and especially in Austin that has made me feel so loved and celebrated.

please don’t feel obligated in anyway to donate if you do not have the means. I totally appreciate verbal support or in person hugs. Or if you have any suggestions on other resources to look into that offers financial aid.

If you do give something big or small please know it is making all the difference in life, peace of mind, and mental health.

Thank you from the depths of my heart for reading this and for all of the support y’all have put my way right now and always. I love y’all so much :)