Help Pepper and the boys to avoid homelessness and rebuild.
Donation protected
Hi, it's Pepper (Heather). I'm reaching out because I'm facing the perfect storm of crises that have left me on the verge of homelessness, and I've exhausted every other option.
For over 6 years, I built a successful freelance writing business from the ground up. At my peak, I was making a livable wage and serving dozens of clients. I took a lot of pride in building something substantial for me and the boys. But life happens.
What Happened
- Industry Collapse: Over the past 18 months, AI tools and Google's algorithm changes completely devastated my industry. Clients who once paid well for human-written content began using AI instead. Despite my years of experience and quality work, the orders stopped coming. I lost all of my clients except one. And in many cases, my clients themselves lost everything as well due to all the changes. My income dropped from being able to pay all the bills on time each month to almost nothing.
- Personal Crisis: In late November 2024, my 8-year relationship ended suddenly. This wasn't just the end of a relationship - it meant losing emotional support during an already difficult time and losing additional financial contribution to household expenses, while dealing with the stress and trauma of major life upheaval.
- Transportation Crisis: Yesterday, my 25-year-old Jeep finally died completely. Without a car, I can't get to doctor appointments for my severe anxiety and panic attacks, can't access therapy, and have extremely limited options for work or even basic errands.
Where I Am Now
I have $2,300 in rent due in 3 days, and I'm facing eviction. I have no reliable transportation and limited ability to work traditional jobs due to severe anxiety and panic attacks that have worsened over the past seven months.
But I'm not just sitting here feeling sorry for myself - I'm actively fighting to rebuild:
- Applying for AI training positions where my writing expertise can help improve AI systems
- Selling items on eBay and Facebook Marketplace
- Exploring every income opportunity I can find
- Working with local resources for assistance
But the timeline is too tight. I need immediate help to avoid a homeless situation for me and the boys while I work to rebuild.
What I Need:
Immediate Goal: $6,000
- $2,300 for this month's rent to avoid eviction
- $2,000 for reliable used transportation to access work, medical care, and therapy
- $1,700 buffer for utilities, food, and basic needs while new income develops
What This Means
This funding would give me the breathing room to:
- Keep my housing while I transition to new income streams.
- Get the transportation I need to access medical care and job opportunities
- Focus on building new revenue instead of just surviving day-to-day
- Continue therapy to process the recent trauma and major life changes
Why I'm Sharing This
I've never asked for help like this before. As someone who has been on the donating end over the past several years, I have been blessed to help others in similar situations. Doing this is incredibly humbling. However, I've hit a wall where circumstances beyond my control have converged into a crisis I can't solve alone in the timeframe I have. Without help, it will only get worse.
I'm not looking for a permanent solution - just a bridge to get back on my feet. I have the skills, experience, and determination to rebuild. I just need a little time and stability to make it happen.
My Commitment
Transparency & My Journey: Updates on YouTube
I am committed to full transparency and want you to follow my journey of rebuilding. I will be launching a dedicated YouTube channel where I'll provide regular, personal video updates on:
- How your contributions are used to secure my housing and address these immediate financial needs.
- The exciting (and sometimes challenging) progress of my new reselling business.
- My personal journey through this time of starting over at 57, including the struggles and triumphs.
I will share the link to my channel via an update on this GoFundMe page once it's live.
The Bigger Picture
My story isn't unique. Many workers are being displaced by AI, and unexpected personal crises can affect anyone. Sometimes good people who've always been self-sufficient need help during extraordinary circumstances.
I'm determined to not just survive this, but to rebuild stronger. Your support will allow me to stabilize my housing, regain essential transportation, and keep my utilities on.
If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this GoFundMe link widely with your network. I am deeply grateful for your support, in any form. Thank you for taking the time to understand my situation and for your consideration.
Organizer
Heather Ryerson
Organizer
Westbrook, ME