Having a car for the past few years has truly been a blessing, saving me both time and money. But this past fall, my car’s engine (my Lexus 350, affectionately named Lupita) blew out beyond repair, and I’ve been without wheels ever since. The repair costs were significant, and with my car already being 17 years old, it made more sense to look for a more reliable replacement. As a performer in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles, reliable transportation is essential. Some days, I need to be in multiple places for rehearsals, shows, auditions, and classes, and I also work gigs in the nightlife scene that often end late at night. Since losing my car, I’ve managed to get to my gigs and keep working, but the rising costs of everything—especially rideshares—have made it nearly impossible to save for a replacement. I’m barely making rent and keeping up with my responsibilities, and the slow seasons in my industries have made things even tougher. I don’t like to ask for help, because I know everyone has their own struggles and I never like to be a burden on anyone, but I really need support this time. I’m not looking to ride around in anything fancy or over the top—just a sensible used car to get me from point A to B, so I can take care of the basics and work even further towards my stability. Any help and support would be greatly appreciated. I know it’s a very rough time for all of us and everyone is trying their best just to get through today. I completely understand the reality we’re all living in. Yet, if you can help me, not only would I be able to get my things in order, but it’ll leave me more room to help and give back to family, friends, and those in the community. I realize more and more that we can’t do it all alone. We’re a collective, and sometimes it takes a village to get through tough times.