Get Maybe Out of So. Cal!

Let’s help our dear friend, Maybe (& Salty the dog), create stable and safe housing!

Maybe has spent the last 2.5 years pouring countless hours and much of their limited income from disability into fixing up a sailboat to live in. Living in a politically conservative part of Southern California, isolated from their community and strained for cash, has taken a tremendous toll on their mental health. At this point, they cannot afford the materials they need to repair the boat, make it livable, seaworthy, and move it to a safer and more affordable location in Olympia, WA.

As close friends of Maybe for ten+ years, we have witnessed the huge amount of work they have put in with very limited resources to try and make a home for themself. We want to help get them this last boost of money and support that they need to finally have stable housing.

Background:

Maybe has been on a long journey to create a home for themself. For over half of their adult life they have been living in tents, couches, closets, basements, or DIY structures. After 3 years of fighting for disability they finally got a disability settlement with back pay. Knowing they couldn’t afford rent in most places, and really needing housing stability, they used their back pay to buy a sailboat. They have always dreamed of living on a sailboat, and boat slips are much less expensive than rent.

These years of living in Southern California, partly in the boat and partly in their car, have taken a huge financial and emotional toll. Maybe has been isolated from their friends and the boat is in a very conservative area. As a genderqueer person, they have felt the need to hide who they are out of fear of getting kicked out before their boat is able to leave. This has had a massive impact on their mental health. Maybe needs to be somewhere that feels better, is more affordable, and where they are closer to community.

Some words from Maybe: “I truly believe that once I get this boat up to Olympia I will have stable housing that I’m in control of. It’s also incredibly difficult to ask people to help fund this for me when there is so much need out in the world. With that being said, this would be a life changing thing for me. I have spent half my adult life with unstable housing. This could completely change that. If you are able to help out I would be greatly appreciative.”

Financial Needs:

The money that Maybe is making right now would be sufficient to live on in Washington, but is not in Southern California. The dock where they are currently living only allows people to sleep in their boats 2 nights per week. It also costs at least $200 dollars more per month than a full-time living spot in Olympia. On top of that, the owners of the docks are planning to renovate the docks, which means everyone is going to get kicked out at some unknown point before the end of the year.

Estimated funds breakdown:

Hualing fee + masts off/on: 1,250 (each direction, x2) = $2500

Hauling mileage: 2.15/mile x 1,000 miles = $2,150

Fixing the boat: engine repairs, patch cracks in the roof, electrical, etc. = $6,500

Total = $10,000

Maybe gives so much of their energy to protecting wild places and creating a more healthy culture. Thank you so much for reading, and for supporting this caring, creative and loyal friend.

Please share this far and wide with anyone you know who may be interested in helping!!

Love

Isobel & Corvid