Hey everyone,

As you may know, Megan and I have been struggling to make ends meet for a while now since I lost my job last year. Megan's job doesn't cover our full rent, and as a tutor, she gets paid much less during the summer. Similarly, while I get the odd transcription or editing job, it isn't nearly enough to cover our living expenses.

Our disabilities (and, frankly speaking, the current political climate) has made job searching much more difficult this past year, especially when factoring in our mental health/neurodiversity and physical limitations. (For example, I can't stand for long periods of time, meaning food service and retail are beyond my abilities.) And as a queer trans man, job hunting can be a constant negotiation of identity and safety, even in Chicago.

Right now, we need to pay this month's rent ($1,300), as well as utilities, bills, medical needs, and any other living expenses not covered by SNAP/food stamps. Anything beyond our initial goal ($1,000) will still go to our basic needs, or be used for October's rent.

I am doing everything I can to keep us afloat at the moment, but it's getting a bit sink or swim. I've applied to multiple temp agencies, looked into rent assistance and even low-income housing and shelters near us. Rent assistance is out of money, the low-income housing and shelters are full, and few places take two people instead of just one.

Life is rough out there for everyone these days, and we understand that. Any help you can give us would be appreciated beyond what I can truly express, and if you can't donate please at least share our link and story with friends and family.

Thank you for your time and support!

Who We Are:

I (Caelan McAdam) am a 31-year-old disabled trans man with limited mobility. My fiancée (Megan Yamanaka) is a 34-year-old disabled queer woman. Megan is an English tutor for children and adults alike, and I'm working towards a Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant certification to help children communicate in ways that work for them. We are also both fiction writers, and hope to one day publish our work.