Dear Readers, Strangers, and Friends,

It took a great deal of urging by someone to gather the courage to submit this. I admit being afraid as it is my last real hope before homelessness again. (The GFM campaign expert offers advice. The first thing is to say what happened.)

I was left homeless in a divorce from an abusive husband with my property in storage, but for a suitcase, laptop, and cat (minus items he stole or broke). It has been a decade since I slept in my own bed.  I am now a woman of 61. Various jobs, and emergency assistance from many people have kept me going. I have slept in 41 places. Having now lost 80% of my life’s irreplaceable possessions, furniture, books, work examples, and personal legal, tax, medical records.

However, I am poised to turn a significant corner.  I have two part-time jobs - writing crossword puzzles and working as an editor/content strategist for Innovation Excellence. 

But they are not coming even close to covering my bills.

I desperately need to get all my remaining property under one safe, clean, and warm roof. I am dedicated to getting on my feet.

The expert says describe what is needed AND do the best cost estimate:

Would you please help me avoid homelessness....and total loss of life possessions.

and get more permanently settled over the next month and help lift the burden of expenses for the next four...so that I can put a home together, focus on my work, and find other self-sustaining projects?  

4 months rent at +$1000-1500/mo...................................................$4-6,000
(hoping to find a place with utilities included and pay the landlord up front)

Or maybe you know somebody who has an empty apartment or property in the area e.g., Mt. Kisco, White Plains, Stamford, Greenwich, Norwalk?

4 months electric at +$125/mo....................................................$500

4 months utilities (phone, cable/internet) at +$150/mo........$600

1-2 months storage at $420/mo...........max $872  (I need to move out at once to avoid more fees or lose everything I own)

$500 for medical expenses

Movers.................. +$500-1K

Some monies to replace dishes, cookware, glassware, lost to storage company.   TBD

Owe two landlords  back rent $4K……………………………………………$8K

                                                                        TOTAL:        approx $15,000

Other ways I may need help and opportunity.
Julie Anixter, co-founder of Innovation Excellence, will match every $125 or $500 contribution with a banner ad(s) provided by you for your business or cause on InnovationExcellence - which goes to 150,000 people monthly.
I'm game for editing/writing work for hire; I need some legal advice over a couple of issues; assistance with writing project about my experience and how others can avoid it.

When are the funds needed:
As soon as possible to avoid homelessness.  My rent of $900 is due and I do not have all of it.
I just have not been able to make enough money fast enough to put things together myself.
I cannot express how much I will appreciate any and all help.  When I get on my feet I intend to fund other people's needs on this site.

With deepest gratitude,

Elizabeth