Help Tab's Family Avoid Homelessness

Update: We found a place and signed the lease today, but now we need a $500 deposit to turn the power on. Thank you for all you have done so far!

Hi, I am Tab. I am a mother to an amazing 9-year-old with two goofy pups and an equally goofy husband. My family and I recently came across some hard times, and I'm reaching out to all you Kind Internet Strangers for help.

Back in February, I lost my job of 14 years. It was sudden and, as I was the main breadwinner, it threw our family into a tailspin. My husband picked up extra shifts, and we cut back on all of our extra expenses, but we have since burned through all of our savings. I have landed a wonderful new job with the county, but it doesn't start until the end of July, and until then, we are hanging on by our fingernails.

I was recently informed by our landlord that the property is being sold and we have to vacate on or before July 1st, a full 27 days before I begin my new position and 6 weeks before I receive my first paycheck. I am in a panic. I have sold, pawned, begged, borrowed, and traded from everyone willing and able, and my barrel has been thoroughly scraped dry. I am worried that, come July 1st, my little family will be homeless, so I am now asking you for help.

Most apartments in my area require a deposit of Last Month's Rent AND a Security Deposit (typically 1 month's rent, although some ask for less) on top of your First Month's Rent. Based on current rental rates, that would make move-in costs around $6K, which is a large sum to come up with in a month, even if I were to start my new job tomorrow. We need help, so if any of you Kind Internet Strangers are willing, we would be forever grateful. Thank you so much for your time.