Forced To Find A New Home in 8 Days
Donation protected
Just four months ago, we lived in a very different world.
Sabine was less than a week away from her final immigration interview to secure her green card. She was happily employed at one of the foremost live venues in New Orleans, and was assistant producing, choreographing, and performing in a premiere show with some of the finest talents Nola has to offer.
Achilles had built his small business from the ground up, developing loyal clientele as a massage therapist, photographer, and trainer. He was working closely with touring artists, local talent, and resident characters in multiple capacities, as well as devoting his time to the projects of Third Coast Studios.
We had just moved from a small home that we’d long outgrown into a beautiful and much larger space where we planned to expand and build our businesses, our creativity, and our future…
...But, then the global pandemic shut down our city and most of the urbanized world.
Sabine’s place of employment, creative aspirations and immigration process were abruptly and indefinitely suspended.
Achilles could not safely be around his clients, as individuals or in groups. Health became a fear inducing trigger word. We adapted.
Achilles began work at the coroner’s office, spearheading the logistics of managing hospital overflow, and contaminated remains.
However, here we are now. Almost August. Achilles’ contract with the coroner has ended, his entire team laid off. And there is no telling when Sabine might be able to go back to work as venues are still closed indefinitely.
On July 16th, we received an eviction notice without warning.
We have been fortunate enough to make rent each month so far, but like so many people affected, things have only gotten tighter - and we have been, as of yet, unable to pay July's rent.
We asked our landlord for just a little more time knowing that we always figure it out. But the landlord wants possession of the apartment. There is no amount of money that would keep us in our home. They are entitled, and we didn’t protect ourselves properly in the lease, but this is a blow we do not know how to absorb.
We have 8 days to be out of our home, and we don’t yet know how we’re going to be able to make that happen.
We know so many people are in a similar boat. We don’t see our struggle as more or less difficult than the countless struggles caused by COVID 19. We just have our own story, and are trying to navigate it the best we can.
We are asking you - our community - if you can, to help us through this time. We are asking for $3,500 to cover a U-Haul rental, first and last month’s rent, and security deposit on a new place.
Obviously things are tight for everyone right now. And we wouldn’t ask if we had any other options at the moment. And for everything that you give to us, we want to give back to you what we can…
For those who are willing/able. If you donate, we’d like to offer in return:
$1 - $50: Our eternal love and gratitude
$50 - $100: A personalized video of us in costume doing a mini spectacle for you
$100 - $500: A pre-recorded yoga, dance, or stretch and strengthening class from Sabine, OR, a high-res digital copy of a photography print of your choice from Achilles.
$500 - $1000: An in-person yoga/dance/conditioning class from Sabine OR a 90 min massage/ body work package from Achilles (COVID permitting) OR a photo shoot for yourself or your family, makeup and hair assisted by Sabine.
We love you all and thank you in advance for your support.
- Achilles and Sabine
Sabine was less than a week away from her final immigration interview to secure her green card. She was happily employed at one of the foremost live venues in New Orleans, and was assistant producing, choreographing, and performing in a premiere show with some of the finest talents Nola has to offer.
Achilles had built his small business from the ground up, developing loyal clientele as a massage therapist, photographer, and trainer. He was working closely with touring artists, local talent, and resident characters in multiple capacities, as well as devoting his time to the projects of Third Coast Studios.
We had just moved from a small home that we’d long outgrown into a beautiful and much larger space where we planned to expand and build our businesses, our creativity, and our future…
...But, then the global pandemic shut down our city and most of the urbanized world.
Sabine’s place of employment, creative aspirations and immigration process were abruptly and indefinitely suspended.
Achilles could not safely be around his clients, as individuals or in groups. Health became a fear inducing trigger word. We adapted.
Achilles began work at the coroner’s office, spearheading the logistics of managing hospital overflow, and contaminated remains.
However, here we are now. Almost August. Achilles’ contract with the coroner has ended, his entire team laid off. And there is no telling when Sabine might be able to go back to work as venues are still closed indefinitely.
On July 16th, we received an eviction notice without warning.
We have been fortunate enough to make rent each month so far, but like so many people affected, things have only gotten tighter - and we have been, as of yet, unable to pay July's rent.
We asked our landlord for just a little more time knowing that we always figure it out. But the landlord wants possession of the apartment. There is no amount of money that would keep us in our home. They are entitled, and we didn’t protect ourselves properly in the lease, but this is a blow we do not know how to absorb.
We have 8 days to be out of our home, and we don’t yet know how we’re going to be able to make that happen.
We know so many people are in a similar boat. We don’t see our struggle as more or less difficult than the countless struggles caused by COVID 19. We just have our own story, and are trying to navigate it the best we can.
We are asking you - our community - if you can, to help us through this time. We are asking for $3,500 to cover a U-Haul rental, first and last month’s rent, and security deposit on a new place.
Obviously things are tight for everyone right now. And we wouldn’t ask if we had any other options at the moment. And for everything that you give to us, we want to give back to you what we can…
For those who are willing/able. If you donate, we’d like to offer in return:
$1 - $50: Our eternal love and gratitude
$50 - $100: A personalized video of us in costume doing a mini spectacle for you
$100 - $500: A pre-recorded yoga, dance, or stretch and strengthening class from Sabine, OR, a high-res digital copy of a photography print of your choice from Achilles.
$500 - $1000: An in-person yoga/dance/conditioning class from Sabine OR a 90 min massage/ body work package from Achilles (COVID permitting) OR a photo shoot for yourself or your family, makeup and hair assisted by Sabine.
We love you all and thank you in advance for your support.
- Achilles and Sabine
Organizer
Justin Dye
Organizer
New Orleans, LA