Yes, it's really come to this.

I'm reaching out to you, my friends, family, acquaintances, even random followers, because I'm in a very bad and unexpected situation financially, and I need help just to be able to pay my rent and keep a roof over my head.

Complete transparency and vulnerability here: I left San Francisco for Los Angeles earlier this year. I left SF for a new job with high hopes. Then I lost my new LA job in July. At this point, I have completely exhausted all of my savings, including my retirement, which I'd been building since 2010. I have no cash and no assets left. I don't have a wealthy family, nor do I have a partner to lean on.

A million ways people might feel the urge to scold me: "grow up," "be an adult," "put your Big Girl Pants on," but, please: not now. I know, 2025 has been terribly difficult for so many people. What do I have to be thankful for? You're right: I have my health. I have my friends. I have a roof over my head. For now.

I'm not oblivious to the fact I've had privilege in my life. I've had some really good times--times I was doing well. That makes it even harder to ask for help right now. But being in this situation has taken a major toll on my mental and emotional health. The people closest to me know all about this.

My current dead-end situation is not for lack of trying. I counted: in my Resume file folder on my harddrive, since I was dismissed, I have sent out more than 75 new job applications. I've taken 12 phone interviews and four Zooms. I have had three second interviews. I still have more active applications out there right now. I've received no lucrative offers in my line of work since the Spring. I also have said "no" to no one. Only yes.

Right now I work in an hourly job making just over minimum wage. I'm also doing delivery driving. But this is not enough to pay my rent, car payment, insurance, student loans, electric bill, etc. All told, more than $3,000 a month. And my bank account is at zero. I'm about to be overdrawn on my accounts, and in default on every single recurring payment.

I'm at the end of my rope, financially and emotionally. I know I sound like public broadcasting right now.... well. That's where we are at.

I need your help. If I ever supported your 5K run fundraiser, helped you publish your small press thing, contrubuted to your letter writing campaign, bought some of your art, etc. If you can help at all, it's going to keep me afloat for at least a little while until I line something up for work.

The total I am posting is what I've estimated I'll need to make it to the end of 2025. I hope and pray I won't ever have to ask again.

It's with great humility, but also with an ounce of hope, that I'm putting this out there.

Thank you, friends, family, and others. Please reach out/message directly when you can.