Hello, I am Elijah (24), a LGBTQ+ latino artist from Albuquerque, New Mexico and living in Brooklyn, New York. I am currently fundraising as I am facing one of the most challenging times in my life with eviction and housing insecurity. It has been difficult to find steady and full time employment after graduating NYU with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Studio Art in 2024. I attended NYU on a full ride scholarship and financial aid as a first-generation college student and my family being low income. It was a dream to be afforded an opportunity to pursue my passion of being an artist that represents my LGBTQ+, Latinx, and Black, Indigenous, People of Color communities. I am on New York State Medicaid and receive SNAP EBT Food Stamps. I have worked at UPS, Department of Education, and Whole Foods, and freelance with my art through fellowships, grants, and selling my work looking for work as an artist studio assistant, gallery assistant, art teacher, art handler, or anything within the arts. After losing my job due to chronic physical illness, I have been struggling to find steady employment, and now locked out from my apartment. It has been difficult dealing with this struggle that has had an impact on my health and well being.

The funds raised here will go directly toward paying my back rent and covering essential bills as I work on gaining rent assistance with NYC Human Resources Administration. This support will help me avoid eviction and give me the stability I need to secure work and creating art. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a real difference.

Thank you to everyone who has helped and supported me as an artist during this difficult time. Your kindness and generosity mean the world to me, and I am deeply grateful for any support you can offer. If you’re able to donate or share my story, it would truly help me through this tough period. ❤️‍

-Elijah