I’m out of time. Rent is past due, bills are piling up, and the emergency fund I worked years to save is gone. In just a few months, a layoff, a rescinded job start date, and months-long waits for freelance payments have left me with no income—and no safety net. I’ve spent my career telling stories about the South, food, and the people who make both unforgettable. Today, I need my own community to help me survive this storm and keep my little family—me, my partner, and our two cats—safe and housed.

My name is Nikki, and for over 12 years I’ve made my living as a food and travel writer—telling stories that celebrate people, places, and the meals that connect us. My work has appeared in Food & Wine, Eater, Southern Living, Yahoo!, and more. I’m also a proud graduate of Le Cordon Bleu. I’ve always managed to stay afloat, even when freelance payments were slow to arrive.

In 2024, I moved to Florida with my boyfriend and our two cats, ready to start a new chapter with a career-changing role as senior editor at a luxury magazine. But in March, I was laid off. Soon after, I was offered another full-time position I was eager to start. I stopped taking freelance work to prepare for it—only to have my employment contract put on hold during a company restructure. I had already completed freelance assignments, but payment for those won’t come until the fall. Without that income, my savings began to vanish. By July, I was preparing for my third week in a new role when my contract was suddenly paused again. I haven’t received my signing bonus or any regular pay. Since spring, I’ve exhausted my emergency fund and now every bill is overdue. The stress has been overwhelming, taking a toll on my physical and emotional health. I’m actively searching for full-time work and have a few interviews lined up, but the process is slow. I’m also taking on new freelance projects, though payment for those won’t arrive for several weeks.

Despite my best efforts, I’m facing immediate financial hardship and am reaching out for support to get through this tough period. It’s humbling to come hat in hand, but when you’re a gleaming marble column that keeps getting knocked down, sometimes the only option is to ask for help to keep standing. I’m seeking emergency funds to help cover:

• Rent for the next two months

• Utilities and internet

• Groceries and transportation

• Immediate outstanding bills from July–August

Your support will help me bridge this gap and regain stability while I continue pursuing both freelance and full-time opportunities. Thank you for reading my story. If you can contribute—no matter the amount—it will make a real difference. If you can’t give right now, please consider sharing this campaign. Your kindness, generosity and belief in me mean more than I can express.