Help Jae Rebuild After Hurricane & Job Loss

My name is Jae, and I’m reaching out for support after a series of unexpected challenges turned my life upside down. Last year, my college—Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, NC—was struck by Hurricane Helene while I was on campus. The devastation forced me to evacuate, and I had to leave behind my studies and community. I relocated to California, hoping to rebuild and start fresh, but things haven’t gone as planned. I arrived with a job lined up, but lost it soon after. For the past three months, I’ve been searching for work, doing everything from Instacart and DoorDash to babysitting and odd jobs. Despite my efforts, I haven’t been able to secure stable employment, and my savings are nearly gone.

My most urgent need right now is housing. I’m trying to find a more affordable place to live, but without steady income, it’s nearly impossible to save. Groceries and daily essentials are becoming harder to afford, and I’m worried about how I’ll manage in the coming weeks. I’m also preparing to start online classes in August to continue my path toward becoming a teacher, but I’m not sure I’ll be able to cover tuition or basic living costs. My car, which is my lifeline for work, is breaking down and guzzling gas, making it even harder to get by. The check engine light has been on for weeks, and I don’t know how much longer it will last.

I’m mostly facing this on my own, as I haven’t been in California long enough to qualify for local assistance. I’ve been using the public library to access job resources and workshops, but opportunities are limited. I’m asking for help to cover housing, food, and car repairs so I can stay afloat until I find stable work and continue my education. Any support will make a real difference as I work to get back on my feet and pursue my dream of becoming a teacher.