I've been dealing with homelessness and trying to get myself back on my feet for quite some time. I spent approximately four years in New York City shelters before returning to Maryland in March of this year, hoping that coming back would give me an opportunity to start over.

Unfortunately, things haven't worked out the way I hoped.

Right now, I'm living out of my car in the DC area. It's been my home, my privacy, my personal space, and the one place I've had where I could close the door and feel like I had something of my own.

I don't have another place to go if I lose it.

And now I'm facing the possibility of losing the one thing that's been keeping me off the streets.

I'm almost 60 days behind on my car payments, and the finance company has already notified me that repossession efforts are beginning. The amount currently needed to bring the account up to date is approximately $1,346.88, including late fees.

On top of that, my car needs urgent brake work. I've been dealing with grinding noises when braking, and I've had to limit driving because I know it's not safe to continue using it in that condition. The estimated cost of getting the brakes taken care of is around $500, including parts and labor.

My car insurance is also about to lapse. I'm facing another payment of approximately $942 to prevent cancellation.

So essentially, I'm trying to figure out how to keep my only shelter, make it safe to drive, and keep it insured, all while living on a limited disability income.

There have also been ongoing issues with my Social Security and health insurance. I receive SSDI because of my mental health disability, but changes involving my Medicaid coverage and Medicare Part B have created additional financial problems. My Medicaid is no longer covering my Medicare Part B premium, which means that amount is now being deducted directly from my disability check.

That leaves me with even less money to survive on each month.

I've also struggled to maintain consistent psychiatric care and afford my medications since leaving New York. I had access to more support and coverage there, but transitioning back to Maryland has been difficult. I've been trying to navigate Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, and getting connected with the proper care while simultaneously trying to figure out where I'm going to sleep.

I've had people involved in my care, including Nurse Sherylynn at Sibley Memorial Hospital and I've tried reaching out for assistance wherever I can. But getting everything coordinated while living in a car and constantly worrying about basic necessities has been incredibly difficult.

I don't have family or a reliable place to fall back on. I don't have savings to pull from, and my monthly disability check isn't enough to cover all of these unexpected expenses.

With winter approaching, I'm honestly scared of what happens if I lose my car. It isn't just about losing a vehicle or having to figure out another way to get around. It's about losing the only shelter and personal space I currently have.

I'm not asking anyone to solve my entire life or take responsibility for everything I'm going through. I'm simply asking for a little help getting through a situation that has become bigger than what I can manage on my own.

Any money raised would go toward:

Catching up on my car payments and preventing repossession.

Getting the brakes repaired so the vehicle is safe.

Keeping my car insurance active.

Covering basic necessities like gas, food, and my phone bill.

Helping me navigate my medical coverage and get back into consistent psychiatric care.

Giving me a little breathing room to work toward finding stable housing.

Even if I'm unable to raise enough to cover everything, any amount would make a difference. If you aren't able to donate, sharing this fundraiser would mean just as much.

I've spent a lot of time trying to figure things out on my own, and it's difficult admitting that I need help. But I also know that doing nothing and hoping everything somehow works itself out isn't an option anymore.

I just want a chance to get back on my feet, have somewhere safe to sleep, and stop waking up every day wondering what I'm going to lose next.

Thank you to anyone who takes the time to read this, shares it, or contributes. I genuinely appreciate it more than I can put into words.

Florence Bird

Kelly Robbins

Anonymous

Simon Kahsai

Dallas B Sutton

Mary Romano

Gabrielle Taylor

Nancy Sheintal

Ashira Lavine

Karin Garner

Help Robbie Keep His Only Shelter

Just $360$ to go! Make an impact.

Help Robbie Keep His Only Shelter

Just $360 to go!
Make an impact.