My name is Wes and I've created this appeal to help my friend Melissa Dennison (the joyous smiling gal in the 2018 Halloween photo with me) move quickly from a dangerous living situation.

For nearly 20 years, Melissa has rented a small, safe cottage in East San Diego. Over the last six months, her landlord--who lives in the main house on the property--has engaged in increasingly bizarre and frightening behavior. He has gone from being a good neighbor to a threatening stranger in her own backyard.

First, it was simply ignoring his previously good management and acting in an odd, cold manner. Then...

Her landlord suddenly painted Melissa's window panes, trapping her in a darkened, shadowy home even on the sunniest of days.

Days later, he erected a tall stockade fence feet from her walls, limiting her exit from the property.

Most recently, he removed her only screen door, further controlling her safety. The landlord has done most of this while Melissa was away at work and without communicating with her at all.

Police and lawyers can't help in a situation like this. He hasn't committed a crime and suing him would take years, plus whatever Melissa does might provoke him to more extreme behavior.

Whether it's the result of malice, malfeasance, or mental health, the result is the same: an increasingly terrifying environment that requires that she escape ASAP.

Melissa has committed her career, and her heart, to aiding the less fortunate. For over a decade, she has managed a non-profit program that provides home repairs and disability modifications to senior citizens at no cost. Yet working at a non-profit agency results in the same for the employee: no profit.

Melissa has lived modestly and has no savings. She will have to leave her home quickly, forfeiting her rent and, probably, her security deposit.

Finding a roommate situation or small apartment for Melissa and her cat has been challenging; places are few and expensive. With your help, however, she can rent a new, safe home before her landlord's behavior escalates further.

Her friends and colleagues have wanted to know what they can do to help. Melissa is humbly asking that you assist her in moving quickly.

This request is for first month's rent, a security deposit, and moving expenses. Melissa will be able to manage expenses once she is safely established.

Thank you so much!