Help Omega Jones Start Anew in Los Angeles

Hello there.

My name is Omega Jones (he/they). I am a 32 year old currently residing in St. Louis, MO. I have been a resident here all of my life. Even when I left for gigs and such, I've always come back. It's been the home that I known front to back. It's a space I truly believe that I will eventually retire in. It's where I will end... but it's not where I need to stay.

I have had dreams and desires to move to Los Angeles for years now. About 7 years to be exact. Maybe more if I really look into my brain. It's the land of opportunity, sure. But it's also a place where I know I can thrive and truly be free. As a Twitch streamer and TTRPG industry professional, it's where I can make the most of my talent. As an actor, it's a space I can still perform and express myself. Every single time I have visited, I have felt like it was the home I was waiting for.

I always knew I would go.

The only question was when?

I've resided in the apartment I am currently in for the past four years. It's where my current online presence has thrived in many ways. It was a godsend honestly and I was so happy to be here. Yes, it has had it's ups and downs but it was still home. I have never had an issue with my landlords. If I faltered in rent, it was made up immediately. Until now, I never thought things could drastically change... but I was wrong.

On August 14th, I got an email on the way to the airport.

My lease was officially not being renewed.

— my lease ends on September 30... in barely a month or so.

This sudden change has put me on high alert in all ways possible. What do I do? Where do I go? How do I get out of this situation not absolutely f*cked, for lack of a better or more appropriate term. Will my landlords put in a good word for me when I inevitably have to put them down as a previous home reference? All questions I did not have time to answer.

But through the stress and pressure, there was one certainty I had. I knew this was finally the time. I could, yes, find another lease in St. Louis and that would be that... or I could see this an unfortunate BUT golden opportunity to finally have no more strings in St. Louis and just go.

So that is what I am going to do.

But I need your help.

St. Louis rent is CHEAP. That's an understatement if I am being honest. I am currently only paying 775 plus utilities. That shall NOT be the case in Los Angeles when it comes to rent & I know this. I am prepared for that mentally. I know that things will drastically change for me. But with my forced timeline, it's not something I can do alone.

MY PLAN: Gain assistance so I can put down a hefty amount of rent in advance so I have a buffer. If I can put down at least 3-4 months worth of rent, it will give me time to get the job I need (unless I get it beforehand) so then I can be set afterwards. Even more so, it will allow me to pay rent for FUTURE months so I am never in a position of struggle as I make this change happen.

The OTHER issue that has come with this is I'm starting a musical that pays well thankfully BUT it opens on September 20th... 10 days BEFORE I have to leave my current residence. My current plan is to either see if I can convince my landlord to let me stay one more month OR move in with my mother for a month while the show resolves — and then it's LA or bust.

WHAT THIS GOFUNDME SHALL PAY FOR:

I understand that $5000 is a HEFTY ask. I am being overcautious as there is a chance that I won't be able to get a place that's less than $1500. If I can pay off as much as I can ahead of time, it keeps me ultimately safe. And I would rather be safe in LA than sorry & homeless — I have been homeless, I refuse to be again.

I cannot thank you enough for choosing to assist me with this. Again, I hate constantly needing help and I really feel like this shall be the last time I EVER have to do for something like this again.

Thank you for getting this far.

You are more appreciated than you may ever know.

— Omega Jones