Help Thair Overcome a Rental Scam

Hi,

My name is Thair. I'm a teaching artist for grades K-3, a respected musician and student in Chicago. I have been working to balance three part time jobs, my final semester in a Music Technology program, and a rapidly shifting personal life as I work towards completing my debut album. I have proven my commitment to these areas in my life with invitations to academic honors societies, successful performances, and an album that is aimed to tour and uplift black and brown queer communities.

On April 26th, 2024, I fell victim to a rental scam. After ending a long-term relationship, my ex-partner and I decided to seek new living arrangements. The apartment listing I found stole my first month's rent and security deposit and left me without a place to move into on May 1st, 2024. There is an investigation to help find the people who fabricated the lease and listing, but the money I worked hard to secure is no longer available to help me move. The security of my own space is important after working so hard over the past few months to create a safe and stable life for myself so that I may continue to provide community serving work for children and the music I create for the sake of young artists of color such as myself.

I am seeking this help because at every turn, I work to uplift those around me and I do so without asking for anything in return. I am a leader and a community builder. At this time, I recognize that I am also a person in need. I will use the money donated to find a better living arrangement, pay my current landlord a prorated rent to stay in this home while I search, and pay down some bills that have fallen behind.

I have taught my students the value of community efforts and being fearless in asking for assistance and it is my turn to take my own advice. It can feel embarrassing or shameful to try so hard and still be thwarted by criminals or jobs that do not pay livable wages. I believe that in waking up and trying my best to serve the communities I am a part of, I can absolve myself of that shame. We are people and we need each other. Any donations or sharing of this post would help me immensely. Thank you for your time and care in reading.