My name is Melissa, and I am facing eviction. I owe a fair amount of past due rent and I could really use your help.

The last few years have been incredibly challenging financially, and despite my best efforts to find a job, I have been unsuccessful. I have sent in more than 1,000 job applications in the past 13 months. I have had about a dozen first round interviews, and even a handful of second round interviews, but other than a few local weekend gigs, and occasionally helping friends with their small businesses, I haven't been able to find full time work.

I have spent the last few days, weeks, months, and even years applying for local social services to help me cover rent expenses while I struggle to make ends meet. I first applied for housing vouchers in 2023, and I made the first cut for the waiting list. That list has yet to be processed and due to recent federal budget cuts, the entire program is on hold. In the past few months I applied for multiple local organizations that assist financially with past due rent. However, their budgets are limited and they have strict requirements, and unfortunately I do not qualify for any of these funds.

I have spent the past few days driving around this city asking every organization that I can find online if they offer rent assistance. Some of them do, most of them don't but in order to help as many people as they can, the requirements are strict and set in stone, and I do not qualify.

Unfortunately, I don't have much of a safety net. My parents are not a part of my life and are unable to help. Additionally, I am an LA transplant. I moved here with basically no connections to get a new start four years ago. And while I know it was the best decision I made for myself, I don't have any couches I can crash on while I figure stuff out.

I know times are tough, and many people are struggling, but if you have the means, I would greatly appreciate your support. I don't know where to go if I lose my apartment.

Thank you in advance for any help you can provide. Your support means everything.