Help Avril Secure a Safe Home

My name is Matt Kosterman. I live in Chicago. I met Avril several months ago through a men's group. Two weeks ago, when he humbly told the group of his current plight, I felt moved to help in some way. Four years ago, I faced eviction myself. In spite of a ton of personal growth work over the prior ten years, I just couldn't get out of my own way and things escalated with my landlord to the point where they handed me a Five Day Notice. Without the help and support of a network of friends, I truly don't know where I'd be today (which is safe, secure and prosperous - having not paid rent a day late since).

Avril is gainfully employed. He is merely working to close a gap caused by a series of unfortunate circumstances - of which he takes full ownership. Life doesn't always present us with lessons in the way we'd like them to come.

Any amount you can give will assist Avril in securing a new apartment and covering his monthly expenses until his income catches up with him. The overarching goal is to prevent this situation from snowballing into something more serious than it already is. Thank you in advance.

Avril's Story

Avril is one of those people who lights up every room he walks into. He’s a devoted father, a talented life coach, and a hilarious stand-up comedian who brings life, love, and laughter wherever he goes. If you’ve ever met Avril, you know his energy is infectious, his heart is big, and he’s always the first to lift others up.

Two years ago, he took a leap of Faith with his then life-partner to leave a 16 year career in IT to start a life coaching and a wellness business. Things did not go as planned and he was left trying to simultaneously run a very young coaching business and also find a fall back job.

At the same time, Avril moved states to be closer to his daughter and be a more present co-parent. It was a huge leap of love. But the transition came with challenges. His business took a hit, and for several months he had no steady income. Despite his best efforts, he was evicted two weeks ago. In spite of what he thought was an agreement with his landlord, he came home from work to find his belongings on the curb.

Right now, Avril is staying in short-term AirBnBs, but that’s quickly draining what little he’s earning from his new job. He’s finally turning a corner, but he needs a little help to get back on stable ground.

Here’s what your support will help cover:

• Temporary housing for 1 month: $2,000

• Groceries and essentials: $500

• Application fees and deposit for a new place: $2,500

Total goal: $5,000

This isn’t just about money. It’s about giving a good man a fair shot at rebuilding. Avril showed up for his daughter. Let’s show up for him.

Any amount helps. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. ❤️