The current threat: Property Taxes and a HUGE cleanup. The theory was the (now ex) tenants would provide enough to cover the taxes. That never happened.

About Me: I will be 70 years old in July and have AuDHD. I am an independent writer and serious home cook. I write 3 substacks and am working on a book about our relationship to the natural world among other things.

But this means my income is wonky and lately has been really small recently. I bought this duplex with a small bequest from my late sister. The other unit was supposed to give me a regular monthly sum. But it did not, because the tenants that lived in the lower flat could not or would not pay, and the unit was not legal to rent, so they couldn't get help. On April 9th, the rental was finally vacant.

About the House:

It is a Folk Victorian, built in 1885, on a quiet inner city block. It is 2520 square feet, not counting a completely useable full attic with 8 foot ceiling and a full basement. The lot is around 6000 square feet, with 3500 available for food production. (And a nice spot to sit outside in fair weather.)

Getting control of the rental downstairs was a huge step.

BUT it is a wreck, and infested with mice and roaches. I can't really start to clean until the exterminator is done. And no contractors want to risk tracking cockroaches home.

I owe taxes I can't pay. The building needs to be rewired and brought up to code. The scraggly back and side yard need to be turned into a permaculture food garden. And I still must cure the lead issue that put it in danger of condenmation.

My vision is a model of inner-city agriculture with a house that can be a a model permaculture project and a sanctuary for residents and friends.

Times are hard and getting harder. We are about to pass through a crucible in this country and the world as systems we have taken for granted fail. My goal is to create a space for myself and others that is strong enough to weather what comes next.

I named this house The Shambles because that is what it is. When it is done, it will have a new name: The Haven. But none of that will happen if I lose this house. Please consider helping this old house and the old woman who calls it home.

Here are some photos of the rental. This is what I am up against right now:

And, on a happier note, my Vision for the Outside:

Rochester allows urban chicken with certain guidelines, which my place meet. No roosters. That is OK with me. The food gardens have to be in containers because of lead contamination and predators. Probably have to screen the tops too, because--squirrels.

I am putting these here to represent hope for the future and give an idea what I want to build in this place.