Help Caitlin Secure Housing and Transportation

Hi, my name is Caitlin.

I am writing this because I am at risk of becoming homeless within the next couple of months. Due to very poor advice that I received from a relative regarding my parents’ home after my mom passed away in 2020, I’ve gotten letters stating that the house is going into foreclosure and will be going up for auction. The auction will take place on March 12th, 2025.

I’ve been working on a list of what I need to get done and how much it could cost. First would be finding an affordable apartment. Second would be a car. Third would be a moving van. And fourth would be a storage unit. I presently do have a job; it’s part-time and it’s seasonal, ending in April. I also have a refund that could help with some of the costs. With how little time I have, however, I know I won’t be able to afford two of these, let alone try and do them all without help. The money donated would help make it more likely to accomplish that, specifically securing a roof over my head and acquiring a vehicle.

With the apartment, however, I’m worried if I’ll be able to find one with the short amount of time that I have. I am going to be applying for fixed-income housing and emergency housing, but there is no guarantee I’ll get a place quickly enough before I have to leave my home. I want to be prepared for it if I have to get an apartment that isn’t on a fixed income. Many apartments in New Hampshire are over $1500, and until I can secure another job, either on top of what I have or to jump into when my current employment closes for the season, it will be very difficult to keep up with those prices. With the donations, that would give me a shot at getting at least a month’s rent, maybe more if I’m lucky enough to find work once my current employment closes for the season.

With the car, the Mini Cooper that I purchased four years ago died. I have only two options: somehow fix it with a new alternator and tires, or purchase a cheap car from the Marketplace or Craigslist. I intend on using my refund to purchase said car should it come down to it. Affording parts for the Mini has been a nightmare, especially trying to find and afford an alternator. However, I am only getting a little over $2000 back in my tax refund, so my choices for cars are severely limited. I have a mechanic friend who knows cars. Whether I can acquire the parts or buy another car, he’ll be able to help me. Should I raise enough money not only for the apartment but also add to my refund so that I could afford a slightly better car with fewer problems.

My need for a car isn’t solely for finding better employment, but I have some health issues that put a lot of physical limitations on my body. I am unable to walk very far without being in excruciating pain. Right now, I have been receiving some help getting to and from work, but it won’t last. Depending on where I move to, there is no guarantee that the help I’ve been receiving will be able to continue. I could end up too far for their comfort to pick me up and bring me to work and back even if I were to cover the gas expenses. As for Uber and Lyft, they are not only costly, but they are not reliable enough to arrive on time regularly.

A moving van would make transporting my belongings much easier and safer. It would also add less stress having to replace certain pieces like a bed. As mentioned before, I have health issues. If I were to fall or attempt to sit/lay on the ground, I would not be able to get back up without help. Whether I can get a car or not, it will not be large enough to carry a bed and its frame. There are other pieces of furniture, but out of all of them, my bed is the main priority. Should I be able to afford to raise enough money to help with rent and a car, then I should be able to afford to pay for a moving van with my income.

With a storage unit, I would be able to store my belongings, especially if the apartment happens to not have on-site storage. I plan to only use the storage unit for a short period so I can better sort through my belongings and further downsize as needed. It would either lead me to downsize to a smaller unit that’s more affordable or have no need for one. Any extra money raised would help with it as depending on what size I may need and the location, the price could vary.

I honestly don’t know how much I may need in total as rentals vary in price as do cheap cars that may or may not require more work. However, anything you can donate would be greatly appreciated. I’m on a serious time crunch and I am hoping I won’t be asked to leave the house until close to March 12th so I can have a shot at finding a place and saving as much money as possible for it. It would also help a great deal if you could share with any friends or family you feel could help, or if they know someone who could help.

This isn’t just for me, but my cats as well. They are not only my family, but the main reason I have been able to hold on this long trying to survive and figure things out. My only regret was not realizing how much I had been lied to so I may have been able to prevent this or slow it down.

My boy, Lester.

My little girl, Munchkin.