Early this spring, I set out on a voyage to See America in my 2003 Toyota Sienna. This was not exactly done for fun; I'm living in this van -- or, as we say in the nomad/van dweller community, I'm living out of this van. It's not the American dream, but it's not bad. I'm not "homeless," I'm houseless. There is a difference. 

A few weeks ago, after some spooky noises inspired a visit to the mechanic, I was told I was living on borrowed time. The famously cranky Sienna rear brake assembly was about to go, and I would lose my brakes entirely, probably in traffic. 

In addition to this, the water pump is starting to make noises. There are 176k miles on this vehicle, and the water pump and timing belt  have never been changed. Time to act. 

I've had a tough decade, and I'm living outside the credit system. My resources have dried up, and all I have left are this minivan, a couple of guitars, and a lot of questions. After the museum I was working in closed, I started working as a volunteer on a farm. Plenty of food, roof over my head when I want it, not bad. Plenty of organic veggies, duck eggs and sunshine.

But part of the deal is that you have to go when you say you're going to go, so the next person can experience that farm. The clock is ticking, and I've got to get my minivan back on the road.

I have until Sept. 1 to complete my farm stay and get back on the road. It will take between $1,800 and $3,000 to fix the brakes and swap out the timing belt and water pump, in addition to replacing the serpentine belt and a couple of other important things.  Maybe the gub'mint will send another stimulus check before then, and maybe monkeys will fly out my butt singing "Flight of the Valkyries." 

The good news is that the mechanic has praised the vehicle, noting that there's very little rust, and that all the other systems are in excellent shape. "This will take you a long way down the road if you get these things fixed now," he said.

So I need a little help at this time. Anything you can do will be appreciated.