Over the past few months, I’ve fallen behind financially after being out of work. I recently accepted a new job and truly believed I was finally reaching a point where I could catch up and become stable again. Unfortunately, I was just notified that my start date has been pushed back almost a month because part of the pre-employment process is still pending. I had already planned my finances around the original start date, and this delay has put me in a difficult position. I was already very late paying my rent this month, so I cannot afford to be late again in October without risking eviction. I’m also down to only about $3 on my electricity and am at risk of having my lights shut off. Food has become another immediate concern. I’ve already gone two days without eating because I’ve been trying to stretch every dollar toward keeping a roof over my head and my essential services on. I did start another job in the meantime because I’m doing everything I can to support myself, but it pays significantly less, and it will take time for those paychecks to help me catch up. I’m raising $1,000 to help with October rent, electricity, food, and keeping my phone active so I can continue receiving important job updates. I’m not asking for a long term solution. I’m working, I have another job waiting for me once the delayed start date arrives, and I’m doing everything I can to get back on stable ground. I just need help getting through this unexpected gap without losing my housing, electricity, or the ability to take care of basic needs. Any donation, no matter the amount, would help me tremendously. If you aren’t able to donate, sharing my fundraiser would also mean a lot. Thank you for taking the time to read my story.