Help Eli, Dusty and Ruby Find a Home

Hi, I’m Elizabeth. In 2018, my Dad fell ill, and I moved to Virginia to care for him, putting all my belongings in storage and giving up my place. 

After he passed away, I went to Austin to support my Mom who also got sick. Three months in, I broke my leg and was stuck there for an additional three months. 

During that time, I remotely supported a cat rescue and helped rescue cats from the California Camp Fire. Once healed, I drove to California to continue helping and adopt a special needs cat, Dusty, who had been badly burned in the fire. 

 Eventually, I landed in Rhode Island to retrieve my belongings, find a job, and secure a place to live. Then COVID hit. With no income and limited funds, I had few options and agreed to stay in an unkempt house in exchange for nominal rent, helping to clean it up. 

I scrubbed the kitchen walls, threw out ancient food, and scoured the upstairs ( cat poop and pee) until it was liveable. 

 Despite my efforts, the house remained challenging due to too my roommates / landlords many animals, and her inability or desire to maintain the house or clean it at times. At $550 a month, it was all I could afford, and for the time, it was a blessing even with its downfalls. My little space upstairs was cool.

In 2021, I secured a decent remote job that I loved. In 2023, I was saving to move out when I was affected by a mass layoff. 

Since then, I’ve been working part-time and building a new business, but living in this environment has been incredibly challenging. I started a small business in career coaching and have been working part-time as a career coach for a major company. 

 Recently, the landlord I live with came into some money and now wants me out. Despite all the energy I put into improving her house, it is no longer a factor for her. In Rhode Island, there is nothing I can do about it. Tenant rights are nearly none existent.

 I urgently need to find a safe, clean space for myself, Dusty, and my senior cat Ruby. We will be without a place by August 1 without some assistance. I can pay the rent fine, but need money for the move, security, and deposit. 

Any support you can provide would mean the world to us. Thank you for taking the time to read our story.