My name is Chilico, and I’m reaching out for help during one of the most challenging times of my life. After my last landlord sold the house I was living in, I found myself homeless for over a year and a half. I’ve worked seasonally at the same company for four years, and for the first time, I truly love my job. But my steady income only lasts about five months each year, and the rest of the time I rely on unemployment benefits, which barely cover the basics.

I spent 11 months in a shelter in Santa Rosa, then 8 more months in a shelter in Petaluma. Thanks to my case manager at the Mary Issac Center, I finally found a room to rent in Cotati—just four days before I was laid off for the off-season. Now, I’m waiting to reopen my unemployment claim, but even when that comes through, it's just BARELY enough to cover my rent, car payment, insurance, plus about $50/week for food and gasoline . I’m struggling to keep up with my car payment, and that doesn’t include insurance, gas, food, utilities, or my phone. My car desperately needs repairs, and it’s my lifeline for job searching and getting to medical appointments.

I’m a recent cancer survivor, but I’ve been struggling with recurring infections that put me in the ICU for a week this summer. I’m applying for jobs every day, but so far, I haven’t had any luck. Any funds raised will go directly toward keeping a roof over my head, making my car safe and reliable, and covering essentials like food, utilities, and insurance. Your support will help me stay on my feet and keep moving forward.

To anyone and everyone willing to help in this time of need, I truly thank you from the bottom of my heart. I pray that God blesses you for your spirit of goodwill. As Matthew 25:35-40 says, when you help someone in need, you are doing it for the least of these, and it means the world to me.

I did also recently setup a CashApp account, so anyone not comfortable donating through GoFundMe can donate through CashApp... my Cash app is: $ChilicoHart2