Ollie is a trans, disabled, and deeply valued member of this community facing eviction. Many of us know him as someone who always shows up with kindness, humor, a listening ear, or just with a steady presence that makes a shared space feel a little more like home. Now, after an unexpected and incredibly difficult few months, Ollie is facing eviction and urgently needs our support.

In August, Ollie lost his job in a way no one should ever have to experience. There was no warning and no basic courtesy of an explanation. One day, without notice, his access to work systems was simply revoked. It was abrupt, confusing, and destabilizing. Overnight, Ollie went from steady employment to deep uncertainty, with little time to prepare for the financial strain that would follow.

Since then, Ollie has been doing everything possible to get back on his feet. He has been actively searching for work, applying to opportunities across industries, following every lead he can find while navigating doctors appointments for chronic illness. But as many of us know all too well, the job market right now is incredibly tough - especially in New York City, where competition is high and hiring has been slow. To make matters worse, at one point Ollie thought he finally had a break, only to discover that the employer was running a scam. That experience not only wasted precious time but also drained emotional and financial resources he simply did not have to spare.

Despite all of this, Ollie has continued to push forward with determination. He has been taking on small gigs when available, cutting expenses wherever possible, and doing what he can to stay afloat. But months of unemployment in a city as expensive as ours adds up quickly. At this point, Ollie owes about $7,000 in back rent. His landlord has issued a firm deadline, and without immediate support, he is at real risk of losing his home.

Housing instability is devastating under any circumstances, but for someone who has built their life, friendships, and community here, eviction would mean much more than losing an apartment. It would mean being uprooted from Brooklyn and the network of people who have been part of his daily life - many of whom are reading this right now and health care providers. It would also make it even harder for him to regain stability while continuing his job search.

That’s why we’re coming together to ask for your support. We are asking everyone - friends, neighbors, community members, and anyone who has ever shared a moment or a conversation with him - to chip in whatever they can. No amount is too small. Every single contribution brings Ollie one step closer to staying in his home and avoiding the setback and trauma of eviction.

Our fundraising goal includes not only the $7,000 needed to cover the back rent but also a bit extra to help Ollie with essentials like bills, groceries, transportation, and other basic expenses while he continues to apply for jobs. The goal is to give him enough breathing room to focus on rebuilding, not just surviving day to day. Even a short buffer of stability can make all the difference in navigating a tough job market.

If you’re able, please donate. If you can’t donate, sharing this fundraiser with others is also a huge help. Together, we can make sure Ollie stays in his home in Brooklyn.

Thank you for reading, thank you for caring, and thank you for supporting our friend Ollie.

Charlie and June