Help Stef and Chelsea Overcome Financial Crisis

We're finally at our breaking point. Before we file for bankruptcy, we're asking for your help. (Venmo here if you prefer)

Our troubles started when Stef pulled Chelsea out of an abusive relationship and living situation. Their life was totally uprooted - they had to escape their home, say goodbye to five of their furbabies, and find a new place to live.

The day after Chelsea was approved for their new apartment, their employment contract was unexpectedly terminated due to complications from their many chronic illnesses. Stef had the means to support the both of them until Chelsea could find a new job, but nothing came of the many applications sent.

While moving the last load of Chelsea's belongings out, they were in an accident that totaled Stef's car. This was when used cars were at their highest price in years due to the pandemic, and Stef was forced to buy a vehicle outside of the amount covered by insurance.

Both of us got sick with COVID in May 2022, but Chelsea never recovered. Chronic fatigue, dizziness, muscle weakness, and brain fog continue to plague them - all in addition to their pre-existing conditions. Dealing with this has meant that they haven't been able to secure a job outside of irregular pet- and home-sitting gigs. It also means that applying for disability benefits has been a mountain of a task.

In order to keep up with living and medical costs, Stef took out a personal loan and saved 6 months of payments, thinking it would only be that long before Chelsea could find a job and they would have a second income. Her credit line was increased by the bank, which was a bit of a relief, but it was increased again... and again... and again... and then the bank just let it go past it's limit as "overlimit protection" without notice or permission. Monthly payments are smothering and the debt is crushing.

Stef has been working full-time plus any odd jobs she can find and is currently looking for a second evening job, on top of being the main caretaker for Chelsea. They're working through the application for disability benefits, but the wait time for an initial decision is currently at 8 months (according to the SSA website). We're at 50% of the area median income.

Even with strict budgeting, our income is only 2/3rds of our basic expenses. We're drowning, and we finally reached the point where payments are bouncing and there's not enough money for rent. Our total ask is based on our income deficit times the 8 months that disability will take to get back to us.

Asking for help is hard, but we truly need it and just want the stress to go away. We love our community and will never stop working to show that love through acts of service as we can. Please consider giving anything, big or small. We love you.