Help Me Keep My Home and Stay With My Pets

I'm facing eviction and trying to save the home I share with my two cats.

After years of setbacks including job loss, mental health struggles, mounting debt, and the heartbreaking loss of my dog, I've fallen behind on rent and now face a hearing that could leave me without a home. I've been working full-time, taking on side jobs whenever I can, and doing everything possible to get back on my feet, but I need help catching up before it's too late.

I'm not usually someone who asks for help, but I've reached a point where I can't do this alone.

In 2020, I was diagnosed with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) and depression. It was one of the hardest periods of my life and ultimately contributed to the end of my marriage. Afterward, I moved into an apartment that became much more than a place to live—it became a safe space where I could begin rebuilding my life and improving my mental health.

A few years later, another major setback hit. The company I had worked for for 14 years downsized and eventually closed its doors. Finding work after COVID was incredibly difficult, and it took nearly two years to secure full-time employment again.

During that time, I drained my retirement savings just to pay rent, utilities, and basic living expenses. Eventually, the savings ran out, bills piled up, and debt began to grow.

In 2025, I finally found a full-time job. Unfortunately, it paid significantly less than my previous position. Between rising costs, increasing rent, and existing debt, it wasn't enough to catch up. My partner helped where she could, and together we managed to get by.

Then things became even harder.

My relationship ended, and I found myself living alone with my two cats and my dog. Although my ex-partner remained a supportive friend, she also began facing financial difficulties and could no longer help.

I have remained employed full-time since finding my current job and have done everything I can to improve my situation. I cut every expense possible, sold personal belongings, posted in my building looking for odd jobs, and took on whatever side work I could find.

There were times when buying food became nearly impossible, and I am deeply grateful to a kind person who stepped in and helped me through some of those difficult weeks.

Still, the bills kept growing.

When my phone and internet were about to be disconnected, I had to make an impossible choice. I needed them to keep my job and coordinate transportation to and from work, so I used money that should have gone toward rent. For the first time, I fell behind.

I believed I could catch up.

Then tragedy struck.

My dog, who had been living with a long-term heart condition, suddenly declined. He developed cardiogenic dementia, and I was forced to make one of the most heartbreaking decisions of my life. I spent his final days by his side before saying goodbye.

At that point, I was already more than $800 behind in rent. His final veterinary care added another $600 in expenses. I don't regret being there for him, but financially it pushed me even further behind.

Since then, I've been stuck in a cycle of trying to keep up with rent, utilities, debt payments, and collection notices while still covering basic living expenses. Despite working full-time and taking on additional work whenever possible, I haven't been able to recover fast enough.

Recently, I received an eviction notice and a hearing date with the Landlord and Tenant Board. In July, I will have to appear and plead my case in hopes of avoiding eviction.

I am terrified.

This apartment isn't just where I live. It's where I rebuilt my life after some of my darkest years. It's where I found stability, safety, and a community of friends who helped me feel like I belonged again.

Most importantly, it's home to my cats—my family.

I have no close family members I can turn to. My pets are my family, my companions, and one of the biggest reasons I keep moving forward every day. The thought of losing my home is frightening. The thought of losing them because I can no longer provide a place for us to live is devastating.

I'm currently carrying approximately $17,000 in total debt, but I'm not asking for enough to erase all of it.

My goal is $3,000—enough to bring my rent arrears under control and give me a chance to keep my home while I continue working, earning extra income where I can, and rebuilding my finances.

If you're able to donate, share this fundraiser, or simply offer words of encouragement, I would be incredibly grateful.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for helping me hold on to the home and family that mean everything to me.