Help Shay and Her Son Secure Safe Housing

Hey Everyone. I’m Shay, and you might know me as The Carbon Essence from Facebook. Some of you may know that I have been struggling with housing for my autistic son and me. It’s been a real hassle trying to get an apartment, a job, resources for my son, etc.

A little about myself: I am 28, from the Bronx, NY, and my main source of income comes from event photography, which has been extremely slow because of the cold weather. I’m autistic with ADHD, I play multiple instruments and I’m an artist. I fundraise for others through my page, The Carbon Essence, and promote black creatives. We were wrongfully evicted but were able to relocate and sublet from someone. However, the sublease is up on April 18th unless my extension request is approved. If it’s not approved, my son and I will have to go to the shelter. Anyone who knows NYC (specifically the Bronx) knows how bad our shelters are. They are unsafe and do not accommodate autistic children whatsoever. I will try everything in my power to prevent us from going there.

Here’s some good news though. I have a job interview coming up and I look good for it. The pay is decent and there are benefits plus room for growth. If this goal is fulfilled, I’d use $1.5K to secure another sublet (if my extension request is denied) and save the rest to actually secure my OWN apartment (security deposit and 1st month’s rent, etc). I’d forever be grateful for any and all help. I have been battling depression because of all this. I do not know how much more I can take. It’s been a huge struggle for both of us, especially him. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Please share and donate what you can.

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