Update: I am currently in a homeless shelter. Now the goal is to come up with a deposit and rent to move into safe housing.

Hi everyone! My name is Sara and I fled an abusive situation in Utah earlier this year and came to St. Ignace, Michigan to try to rebuild my life. I stayed with a friend here for a few weeks in January and February, and then moved into my own place in February. Unfortunately, my health which had started to improve began to rapidly declined since moving into my current apartment due to mold exposure. I’ve lost my job and am currently being evicted.

I have multiple serious chronic illnesses and diagnoses, including MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome), POTS, epilepsy, Lupus SLE, CREST, and a handful of other co-morbidities. I have severe food allergies and sensitivities. So, this isn’t about being picky, trendy, or lazy. Most pantry staples are unsafe for me, and many can trigger anaphylaxis. Safe food and electrolytes are a medical necessity for me, not a preference.

Even when I was working, the lack of transportation made getting food incredibly difficult. Mail deliveries (there is no Walmart or other grocery delivery) often arrived spoiled, stolen, or never arrived at all. I’ve applied for food stamps and Medicaid and have my interview coming up soon.

Right now, I’m about to be homeless. My landlord is bypassing the standard eviction process and placing me in a motel. They’re covering the first two weeks, but after that, I have no idea what’s going to happen. I don’t have family to fall back on. I’m scared. I don’t even know if this motel is going to be safe, especially with all of my allergies.

I’m actively trying:

I’ve applied for disability, but that takes time.

I’m looking for work I can physically manage.

I’m offering tarot readings and spiritual services (these are more manageable for me right now than my literary services, because my neurological symptoms can make long-form work impossible on some days).

I’m not asking for a handout. I’m asking for a chance to survive. I need help connecting with safe housing options for me and my bearded dragon, River. She’s my reason to keep going.

If you can help in any way by sharing this, pointing me toward legitimate housing or medical resources, purchasing groceries or safe electrolytes, or exchanging resources for spiritual services, it could make a real difference. I’m also open to relocation if there’s a safe, accessible place for us to go.

Everything keeps falling through. I’m scared, tired, and doing my best to hold on. Thank you for reading and for any help you can give.

(Please note I’ve already called 211 and contacted all of their resources Some of them I am in the process of hearing back from.)

I also apologize if this is breaking any rules. I’ve done my best to tailor this copy to the rules I’m seeing, but I know my brain isn’t functioning at its best right now.

TLDR:

Fled an abusive situation in Utah earlier this year and moved to Michigan to rebuild.

Moved into current place in February; health rapidly declined due to mold exposure.

Diagnosed with MCAS, POTS, and seizure disorders; I have severe food allergies (not preferences — pantry food can cause anaphylaxis).

Lost my job, had wages garnished, money stolen, and have no reliable transportation. Food often arrives spoiled, stolen, or not at all.

Currently being evicted; landlord is covering two weeks in a run-down motel, after which I have nowhere to go.

Applied for food stamps, Medicaid, and disability, but those are not immediate solutions.

I have River, my lizard. She’s my reason to keep going, and I need housing where we can stay together.

I need safe food and electrolytes, housing (short or long term), transportation or delivery assistance.

Your donations can help me obtain these necessary essentials. Thank you.