Hi, my name is Jim Blacksten. I am a person with a disability that impacts my

ability to work, focus, sleep, eat, leave my home, and interact with others. I have a guide dog named Madera who guides and assists me every day.

I am legally blind and am supported by the Texas Workforce Commission, which provides technology and administrative assistance when needed. Despite my visual impairment, I have been continuously employed in a variety of customer service and account management positions since I graduated from San Francisco State University in 1979. In 2021, however, I contracted COVID and was unable to effectively work in my field.

Since then, I have become licensed to sell life and health insurance in the state of Texas and have completed my Medicare AHIP Certification Training. I have just started working in insurance sales for two organizations and have earned my first commissions, however, it will be April before I am fully up and running and generating sufficient income to support me and Madera.

In the meantime, I am unable to pay my monthly apartment rent, and my landlord has refused to accept my request for reasonable accommodations based on my disability and earning potential. Through the help of friends, I was able to narrowly avoid eviction in January, but cannot expect similar help in February and March.

I have already availed myself of state and local rent assistance programs, which provide only short-term emergency help.

I am requesting $3,500 in assistance to pay rent and utilities in February and March. My Social Security check can cover my other expenses but cannot cover rent and utilities. By April, I intended to stand fully on my feet alone, with no outside help.