Hello, my name is Scout. I'm a digital commission artist and hobbyist writer working in retail, and I'd like to build a career as a tattoo artist. I'm trying to raise funds to afford food and gas a little easier, and move in with a few friends, which will help me out of a tough financial situation.
Currently, I'm living in a one-bedroom apartment with my dog, Dodger. When I moved in, the situation wiped out a good chunk of my savings, but I was able to slowly rebuild them to where they were before moving. In March, my power was shut off because the company paused my automated payments, and the debt grew to a point where I couldn't afford it. As I struggled to pay rent and keep other utilities from being cut off, the company that owns my apartment complex sold out to a third party at the end of May, which raised my previously affordable rent almost to double the price.
Even with a full-time job, I've had to resort to selling some of my belongings and buying as little food as possible to afford rent. My savings are gone, and every paycheck I receive is going towards keeping my dog and me from being homeless, leaving me juggling what little money I have left to choose between gas and food.
Just recently, my job has had to cut back on hours for most everyone, including me, leaving me in a position where I’m not working enough hours to completely cover my rent. The apartment complex I’m staying at has also made me worry for dodger safety due to several residents violating the pet policy, and I’ve been super anxious about management finding a way to remove my dog from the property.
I've explored various options to manage my finances, including charities, loans, weekend jobs, and advertising my commissions and Kofi. However, it's been incredibly difficult to hear back from them, and my commissions aren't garnering the attention I'd hoped for, despite offering discounted prices.
Fortunately, a few of my friends were able to find a place to live, and they're offering to let me move in with them while I get back on my feet. As appreciative as I am for this, the apartment complex I currently live in has made it next to impossible for me to afford the fee to break my lease, given the high living costs here.
Why I'm moving:
- To escape my current living situation and focus on building my savings back up to afford a new place of my own once I feel stable and secure enough to live on my own again.
- To focus on finding a career in the tattoo artist industry or focus on writing a book to publish.
What the Funds Will Cover
- To cover the cost of gas back-and-forth from my old place to my new residence (about $120-$250 depending on how gas prices fluctuate every few days or so).
- Cost of covering most, if not all, of the debt I owe to my electric company (estimate $800).
- Working on paying off some of my credit cards, paying back the few friends and family who have graciously lent me some money here and there for groceries, and catching up on any additional bills I’ve been forced to neglect (about $2000 give or take).
- Any additional funds will go towards the first month's rent, paying my credit cards off, and covering my share of food and utilities.
My Goal: $3,500
This will allow me to:
- Escape my current living situation
- Prepare for stable, long-term housing
- Keep my dog safe and fed
- Help get me back on my feet financially
Every donation, no matter how big or small, and every share of this page helps me get one step closer to breaking my lease and moving to a better place. I know I'm asking for a lot, and it's hard for me to be as vulnerable as I have been about my situation this week, but I'm doing my best to get out of here and give myself and my dog a chance at a more successful future.
Thank you so much for reading this and supporting me. Again, even if you can't donate, sharing this is so, so appreciated.
-Scout
Organizer
Scout Wylde
Organizer
Fort Worth, TX