- L
Hey everybody!
I have to move out of my apartment by October 1st. Eek!
That's not much time!
I probably shoulda sent out a call for help earlier, but I'm an optimist and figured I would have a legit job lined up by now. But that hasn't materialized - yet. Yes, I've got a little part-time gig that I love, but it doesn't bring in enough to survive on, let alone cover moving costs. I need to buy some time and space until I can get a robust income on the books. I know it will happen!
I've actually found the place I want: a sweet little studio in the Tenderknob, next door to a good friend. But, due to job loss - and the times and events surrounding the pandemic - ye olde bank account is empty. I've been living on credit for the past few months, and my card is maxxed out. Even my CalFresh is in limbo, so I'm low on food!
I hate to ask, but - help??? Here's what I plan to do, and why I need your help to do it:
- I want to move my belongings into storage, ASAP. This will allow me to clean and clear my current place in a timely manner. I've found a good storage location, close to the (hopefully) future apartment. this will also allow me to move into a new space in a sane manner, and unpack gradually.
- I also have a couple storage pods that have been languishing in a warehouse in the East Bay for years. Those pods are inexpensive, but full. I need room to unpack, sort, and disperse 'em, as well as store my current, small household. A unit with enough room to do so, here in SF, runs about $500 a month. I plan to keep it for about a year, until I've moved to the new home and sorted all the other stuff out.
- I can also use the storage to set up a small biz of my own, de-stashing my vintage collection - most of which is in the hard-to-access storage pods. Moving those sellable items into an accessible space would make a tremendously positive step towards rebuilding my financial health.
- I will need to hire help to move. Some of you are aware that I am partially disabled from a severe back injury. I live with chronic pain. While I can pack up most of my items, I simply am not physically able to lug it all to a storage space; or later, to a home. I can use the Lugg app to book pretty inexpensive movers, for anything I can't do on my own. (Many of you have helped me move in the past, and I don't want to burden you with that again!)
- I will need to live somewhere for awhile. Though I might be able to couchsurf a bit, I don't wanna be a burden to friends for this, either. I'll need funds to cover short-term subletting, or renting an room via AirBnB.
- I am applying to the city services in hopes they might assist with move-in costs (deposits, etc.) but there is no guarantee of those funds. I truly believe a good job will manifest soon, but at this point I will need fund up-front to secure housing.
- Over the past 3 years, my mailing address has actually been a postal service. This was necessary, as my current housing was tenuous from the get-go. It also became critically important during lockdown, when the mailboxes in my building were repeatedly broken into - a problem which still occurs with regularity. Keeping this low-cost option for an address also helps when applying for work.
- My roomie has been an absolute angel over the past 3 years, and when I have been short on rent, she's covered my ass. I still owe her some back rent, and though I intend to pay it from future income, if i have any left over from this move fundraiser, I'll use it to help her out sooner. She is an artist, a teacher, and a senior, and one of the kindest people I know. Your help will go a really long way, for more than just one person.
- Once I move into an apartment, I plan to adopt a kitty! Any remaining funds will go towards that happy occasion, covering adoption fees and pet health insurance. Your help might even save a furry little being's life!
So there ya have it. I can really use your support - can you pitch in? Help keep me from becoming unhoused, help an artist stay in the city, help keep SF populated by one weird and wonderful culture worker, help repay another kind and wonderful culture worker, and help a kitty find a future forever home!
Any amount will help me reach my goal! I totally understand that these are tough times, and not just for me. If a donation isn't possible, will you please share this post? It always helps if you share the word on social media.
Thank you so much for even taking the time to read this. I truly appreciate it!
Tammy Zo