UPDATE 5/23: Hey Everyone! First off, I want to thank every one of you for your contribution as it is a huge help. There isn't enough thanks I can give to you other than being able to pay this all forward. Community is powerful and this is a prime example of how, when we band together, we can make miracles happen.

Now for the update. I have been in touch with Stay Housed LA, and decided to move out. In moving out, I was able to avoid having an eviction on my record, and during the coming weeks will be in touch with them in case any issues arise. Yesterday, I was able to rent a U-Haul and move my things into storage for the time being, which is a huge help! Now, this does mean I am couch-hopping for a little bit until I can find housing in my price range. I have also secured a full-time job and start on May, 29th! WOO!! Although it isn't in design, it's something that I am quite passionate about which is Hospitality. I'm still taking any donations and shares as the contributions will now go toward securing permanent housing, which now I'll be able to sustain after working full time!

Again, thank you all so much for your contributions, sharing this, and passing along powerful messages. In the meantime, I hope you are all doing well and I look forward to sharing this next chapter with y'all, and being able to give back like you all so kindly did for me!

With lots of love in my heart,

Ryan <3

UPDATE 5/21: Great news! I was able to get in touch with the housing department and if I pay off April and May rents, I'll be able to keep my apartment!! I reduced the amount to cover paying the two months. Thank you to those who have donated, who are sharing this, and continue to show love and support!

ORIGINAL POST: Hi Everyone, I'm Ryan Whitcomb; a queer creative living in Los Angeles. I have been a corporate interior designer for the past 5 years and back in October of 2022, I was laid off from my position. Unfortunately, I have been interviewing and applying to jobs with no prevail as of yet. Despite that, I have a promising lead for a part time position which gives me such joy and hope that things are on the mend, but without confirmation, I am still applying and researching for my next role. In the 7 months that I have been laid off, I have been working with multiple recruiters, applying to any and everywhere (even Starbucks), I have been helping out friends with their projects in order to make some cash; doing anything possible to curb my situation, which I have been doing by myself, until now.

I have received unemployment for the past 6 months, but that too has run out and was unable to cover the full extent of my bills, majorly impacting my ability to pay rent. I have such a great family and community around me and have come to the conclusion that I can't fight this fight alone like I have been doing, and am humbly asking for help.

I am looking for help in saving my place and myself from being evicted and becoming unhoused. I have been given a "Three (3)-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit." This was issued to me today, May 17, 2023. The total that I need to pay off is $9,500. I currently and have been living alone in my studio apartment in Koreatown, thinking I was protected, so this notice came to me as such a surprise. But this too shall pass, like most issues we face in life.

If you are able to financially support me during this time, that would be greatly appreciated!. I believe in the power of community and I want to thank YOU so much for giving me your attention and I want to thank YOU for sharing this and considering a donation.

Any and all donations will go directly to my unpaid rent. The goal also holds a $500 buffer for me to be able to pay some rent until I am able to secure a job(s) in order to maintain myself after paying off this debt.

Also as an aside - if you have any leads on Jobs or Positions please also reach out to me directly.

Although a tough situation to be in, I do know that at the end of the day, life will go on and choose this NOT to define me or break me. Anything helps and I greatly appreciate any and all assistance!

With Love,

Ryan Whitcomb <3