Support Christina's Journey to Stability

Hello, my name is Christina, I’m disabled, a former housewife & I’ve been “couch surfing” (Housing insecure) since late 2023. My story covers a series of unfortunate events, spanning the last 4 years. However, 2023 was the worst year by far, I have yet to recover. Grab a beverage & a snack and settle in, this'll be a long read.

EDIT: I know this was a lot of text, so I later submitted my story to Joce Bedard and let her tell my story on YouTube instead. (link included and on the main banner of this fund raiser) My long-winded writing was deleted to simplify this page.

The purpose of this fund raiser is to lift me out of a bad living situation, and by extension, help a friend of mine who is homeless, get off the street.

You'll be helping me with my down payment to buy a manufactured home, but more importantly, helping me provide a bedroom (at an affordable rent) and shared space to my dear friend, Steve, plus one other roommate (yet to be found as of launching this fundraiser).

Steve has enough income to rent from me, but it's low enough that he is currently completely unhoused and living in his car. In addition to that I would have another room available for a 3rd person, to share the home, at an affordable rate.

Your donation would essentially be going to a micro-non-profit for affordable housing. I can write a donation letter for your 2025 taxes if you would like. Send me a private message here with your email for your tax deduction letter.

Now let me answer some common questions:

Q: Why am I trying to buy a home instead or renting?

A: Simply put, I can buy a manufactured home for a much lower (shared) monthly payment than renting an apartment on my own. Also rents tend to go up every year, with no guarantee of lease renewals if the owner decides to sell. HUD/The Section 8 voucher program, has a 2-year waiting list. For the sake of my mental health, I cannot wait that long to move out of my current situation. The challenge my of renting right now, even if I share with an apartment to lower the average costs, is the lease process. I'm on a fixed income, with a less than stellar FICO score. (EDIT: That's currently improving)

Most place require that you make 3x the rent in order to be approved. And they don't like that my alimony is my only current income. I'm in the process of getting a hearing for SSDI. For the last 2 years I have dealt with rejections on apartment applications and additional requirements that had doubled the amount needed for a deposit. When I had ample savings that wasn't too much of a problem, but I ended up paying a premium and I can no longer meet such requirements. In short, buying affords me more stability and flexibly.

Q: Why can't I move out of the LA area for cheaper overhead?

A: I'm not currently able to move because it's vital that I keep my Dr and my emotional support network. I need to stay close to my few ride-or-die friends. My story includes a lot of traumas, so my need for my friends isn't just for superficial social connections. Also, my cat is elderly and has had the same veterinarian since he was a kitten. It keeps his care consistent.

Q: Why raise money for my down payment instead of borrowing it?

A: I managed to leverage my car for a personal loan with a payment that is affordable on my income. I also sold a beloved family heirloom for as much as I could (but less than half of its appraised value.) However, all that falls short of the 20% down payment that I need.

Q: Why crowd-fund rather than borrowing from family?

A: My family does not have the financial resources to help me with this down payment. However, I'm asking among family and trusted friends for anyone who is willing to co-sign. So far, I'm waiting for a reply. I'm hoping that kind folks will be willing to help with crowd funding the difference. For donations of $500.00 or more, I'll provide a tax deduction letter. If you wish to have a letter, simply contact me through this fundraiser and I will email it to you.

Q: Have I looked into down payment assistance programs?

A: This is a manufactured home, on rented land. There are no first-time home buyer programs in California that include such homes in their lending criteria.

Q: How will these donations be used specifically?

A: I will save all donations until my goal is met. Then I'll be ready to make my offer on the home that I want. These funds will serve as a down payment only. Any closing costs I will need to cover. You will be updated on each step I take. I know that GoFundMe does take a percentage of the donations so if you would like to donate directly via Zelle or Venmo contact me. Otherwise, I'm calling that fee the cost of getting the word out and I'm not asking for more than the difference needed to make my 20% goal.

Honestly this opportunity could be life-changing! I have been through the ringer and all my former stability was stripped away so fast I still haven't been able to properly process it all. Thank you all for your kindness and generosity!

Please watch the video and let Joce tell my story to you all.

Also, please share this!

Many eyes increase the chance of meeting my goal.

With much gratitude, Christina.