Help Story Rebuild and Relocate

Hi y'all! As you likely know, I've had a rough go of it since my sister died suddenly in July. Following that, I contracted vibrio from a foot injury. I just finished my third round of antibiotics, but recovery remains in the air. Finally, my housing became unstable during a storm that badly damaged my roof. Although we repaired the roof, the damage revealed issues with my housing that make it unsustainable in the long-term.

I only have electricity because I'm plugged into my friend's garage by a 100-foot extension cord that runs across their driveway. Its plumbing needs major repairs, and I have to shower, use the toilet, do my dishes, etc. at my friends' houses. Finally, removing the walls to assess and address the storm damage revealed extremely poor insulation, and as winter approaches, the nights inside have been very cold.

After two months of agonizing over this decision, I’ve decided to move back east to live with my mom and my younger sister, to heal both physically and emotionally as I process my grief, in a stable environment.

I have deeply entrenched myself in the community on this island, as an organizer and founder of our Pride organization & festival, as a co-runner for our free, outdoor afterschool program for elementary schoolers, and as a member of our marine mammal stranding response team. It breaks my heart to say goodbye to this community and my chosen family.

I have plans for my future, but I cannot succeed like this. When the storm first damaged my roof, many people asked if they could contribute to repairs. I asked everyone to wait, because I wasn't sure what that would entail and whether it could be salvaged. After the roof repairs, this camper would make a lovely little summer guestroom for someone's house, but it's unrealistic for full-time occupancy.

I'm employed, but I can't make this move on my own. I've put over $1,000 into car repairs in the last 6 months, and it's doubtful my 27-year-old car will make the drive from my island off the west coast to east Ohio. I must therefore rent a u-haul and tow my vehicle, or leave my car here, ship everything with a moving service, and fly home without a car (less ideal). I've thoroughly explored every moving option over the last 10 weeks since making this decision (options are limited because I live on an island).

Cost and Goal:

Depending on which option I choose, I have been quoted $2,006 (moving service) and $3,540 (UHAUL) respectively, as baseline costs, not including shipment insurance, gas, and other travel expenses.

I know this is a lot to ask, and I don't expect to raise the full amount. It's my hope to raise at least some of these funds to support my move, because I cannot do it myself. I hope to make my move in the next 2-3 weeks, before winter and the rainy season begin here in earnest.