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Help Mel Move to Melbourne

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"Hi everyone, my name is Mel. Many of you know me from the internet where I tend to loiter and spend time. The communities I have found on Twitch and elsewhere have really gotten me through the last year, and I don't know where I would be without them. Even writing this feels stressful as I have had more help than I could ever ask for, but unfortunately, life has really hit me for six over the last 12 months. Some friends have encouraged me to set this up as a way to get some assistance with my situation - please know doing so causes me a lot of anxiety, however, I am humbled by the kindness and people who care for me.
 
2021 was a rough year for a lot of people. For me, it involved 3 break-in attempts to my home. The first was an unsuccessful attempt where my screen door was broken and my power switched off. The second involved people attempting to get into my back door via my backyard. The third was a successful break-in, which occurred while I was 300km with my father who had an ischemic attack. Luckily nothing was stolen - my neighbors had a number of valuable items stolen from their shed that night. Despite having cameras, the offenders were not caught. Even today I still have people loitering outside my house, occasionally looking through windows, etcetera.
 
On top of this, as many of you know, my cat Oska had a serious medical condition not covered by insurance in 2021, and this put me out over $4500. Most of this was loaned by friends who I have since paid back. I was very lucky to have their support. Luckily, I found full-time work which has helped me get back on my feet, however, in this process, I am supporting my family and paying back 3 years of bills from unemployment, which leaves me with very little disposable income.
 
Over the last 6 weeks, things in my life have sadly deteriorated. My anxiety of a night is crippling due to the break-in attempts. I do not feel safe in my home and often lay awake in bed having panic attacks until 5.30 am when the sun comes up so I feel safe. For someone who starts work at 9 am, this is largely affecting my ability to do my job. On top of this, I have had COVID for the last 2 weeks which has knocked me for six. The anxiety I feel of a night in this home, coupled with lack of sleep, is making it incredibly difficult for me to function day-to-day. I also have some complicated family dynamics that mean it is in my best interest to move.
 
I have chosen to move to Melbourne as it is a location where I can find somewhere to call home, progress my career, gain some distance from the family issues (but be close enough to come home in an emergency), and be surrounded by some close friends who will support me. On top of this, it will give me access to good therapists and care for my chronic illness which I have needed for some time. Ultimately though, moving into a home in Melbourne CBD as planned will provide me with security - cameras, good security in an apartment complex, a higher-up building, and living somewhere with more people around will provide me a sense of safety that I have not had for some time. I am hoping this will all help me improve and feel better, and get my overall quality of life back.
 
I want to thank everyone in advance for their kindness. I couldn't have gotten through the last 12 months without you all, and the idea that anyone would be willing to help me improve my situation is so heart-warming. I promise any cat photos you may request, a sincere thank you, and a delicious vegan dinner when I move for anyone to whom that might apply.
 
Thank you for your love. Every person kind enough to donate or pass this on is baffling to me and I will never have the words to say thank you."

Cost breakdown (what your money will go towards):
Deposit/Bond: $1670 FUNDED
4 Weeks Rent: $1670 FUNDED
Cost of moving cats: $400
Boat cost: $850 FUNDED
Furniture (Bed, Fridge, Desk) & Initial Setup (Groceries, Power, Water): $1500
End of Lease Cleaning/Repairs (Required for end of lease here): $650
Total = $6740

Donations 

    Organizer

    Melanie Bester
    Organizer
    Low Head, TAS

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