HELP JEY BREAK THE CYCLE

Hello friends,

My name is Kareem Baholzer, though some of you know me as Jey. I’ve always believed in showing up for others — sharing knowledge, offering support, and creating spaces where we care for each other. Today, I find myself needing to ask for that same care and support.

I’m a queer mixed-race writer and artist working around film and culture. I come from a working-class family, didn’t finish school or university, and taught myself everything I know — through practice, experience, and the generosity of others. That belief in sharing resources has shaped my work and my values.

For years, I stayed outside of Germany’s official welfare and support structures. Not out of rebellion, but because they felt inaccessible and unsafe — especially around healthcare and mental health. These systems can be overwhelming, rigid, racist and ableist. Without a roadmap, I tried to manage on my own — through work, community, and survival.

But carrying it all alone comes at a cost.

My Situation

I’ve reached a point where I can’t move forward without help. Over the past year, I made steps toward stability — securing housing, starting therapy, and confronting the trauma and mental health challenges that have shaped my life.

Still, the debts I avoided out of survival are now catching up with me. I’ve tried several times to access Bürgergeld, but I couldn’t get through the process. Meanwhile, bills — some dating back to 2021 — keep piling up.

I’m stuck, burnt out, and unable to generate enough income to cover basic needs. The weight of it all is making it nearly impossible to move forward.

What I Need

This is why I’m reaching out. I need support to break this cycle — to clear these blocks and finally access the systems and care I’ve been cut off from for too long, including mental health support.

I’ve made a plan that allows me to:

1. Pay off debts that are preventing me from moving forward

2. Secure rent for three months — spread across the year to create space for rest and recovery

3. Resolve my case with the Jobcenter and finally access Bürgergeld

4. Create space to stabilize — whether that means continuing creative work, starting an Ausbildung, or finding stable employment

The total I need is 12,000€ — covering debts, rent, and basic living expenses.

This is urgent. It’s about survival, but also about finally building a sustainable foundation after years of instability.

Any support — no matter the amount — will help me take this step. It’s a chance to move out of survival mode, access the care I need, and start building a future that feels possible.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for being here.

With love,

Kareem / Jey