Hello,

My name is Q. I moved to Maine in February 2025 in hopes to get out of a red state and get somewhere that I had more opportunities for growth. I moved in with friends who promised that the home would be like family; a place where we could all grow and support each other despite the fact that all of us are dealing with trauma in one way or another. I gave up everything for this move, including leaving my support people behind and even selling my car as I was told I would not need it up here. I've quickly learned that isn't the case.

In the 6 months that I have been here, instead of family and friendship, I have found a lot of toxicity, little to no communication, and isolation. There had been a handful of fights that had been resolved through trying to work through them, but now there is no effort being put behind trying to fix the friendship that has been so badly damaged. It has left me isolated, unable to leave the house as I do not have access to a car, and with no friends, as I have not been able to meet people up here since I cannot leave the house.

I have some very good friends in Chicago who are willing to help me move there, but there are some costs that are prohibiting that. For one, a moving truck is very expensive. The other thing is, I am still having to pay bills here and rent here as well despite everything, and am having a difficult time saving money for apartment costs. Why don't I just move out here in Maine? Where I'm living in Maine does not have any sort of public transportation. Without a car, I am unable to get to doctors appointments and therapy, or even to grocery shop. Also, the cost of living up here is MUCH higher than I am able to afford, despite working full time. I would have to split living costs with someone else, and since I have been unable to meet anyone up here, I do not have any resources that I can lean on to make that happen.

I'm asking for $2000. That gives me enough to cover not only the moving truck and the tolls that it would take between here and Chicago, but it would also cover my first month's rent/deposit/pet rent for a studio apartment in the city. I have two cats, who are pictured in this post.