The Cheesy Homestead is the labor of love of Russ and Carly LaBrie.

Moving to Idaho was a leap of faith, one that they took after all other options had been exhausted in California. When they arrived, they worked to create their own idyllic little corner while rebuilding the home they had been offered - nearly from the ground up. For nearly three years they have struggled with cold, work injuries, and other troubles that would have knocked many others to the ground... but they survived. More than that, they were thriving.

The Cheesy Homestead came out of this struggle.

Encouraged to get birds to care for - ducks, turkeys, geese - their small home farm became not only a point of light for the LaBries but a point of pride. They took another leap and opened the journey to the public on Facebook , letting the world see the love they have for their animals and each other. The homestead is managed on top of 2+ hours round trip of commute to work every day (Russ working, Carly driving), rebuilding the home that was nearly unlivable when they arrived, and chronic health issues that keep Carly from the workforce.

And now, the unfathomable is happening.

After pouring blood, sweat, tears, and any extra cent of money into their home, they are losing the roof over their head - and their animals. The owner is in failing health and the extended family have had to issue an eviction notice, requiring them to be off the property by January 31, 2026.

This is in addition to the very high possibility of Russ finally having much-needed, long-delayed ankle surgery to help his severely arthritic tarsal condition at the beginning of December.

Russ and Carly have already had to say good bye their quails and half of their beloved flock of ducks, selling them to start a moving fund, and next to find a new home will likely be the goats. Finding a place to live in their area of Idaho is difficult, and finding one closer to Russ' work even more so. Including the addtional need for land to keep the farm is a pipe dream.

Right now the goal is first/last/deposit on a place that takes pets (the non-farm animals are Merlin the prince of York(ies) and feline overlords Freddie Mercury, Willow, and Tippy Tulah) in or near Rupert, Idaho, where Russ' workplace is located. Also included are costs of moving, time off work to do so, and hiring people to help so they won't have to do it solo.

Finding somewhere to live is the goal. Saving the farm is the dream. Please help if you can.

This gofundme is being organized by Jessica. Russ is one of my dearest, oldest friends.