Those who know me may or may not be aware of my current dire financial situation. For the past 9 months, I have been supporting my parents in a rented home in one of the most expensive cities in the country, where we were forced to locate after Hurricane Harvey. We have lived together as a preventative measure for taking my own life. It's become clear that I'm ready to take a big step and move out, across the country on my own. But the support I have lent my parents have put a strain on my life finances that I worked so hard to secure. In the midst of this, the landlord has decided to legally breach our lease, forcing us to vacate by March 10th without any home security in order to raise the rent. The kicker of it all: since the 30 days to vacate leaks into March, the landlords are making us pay partial rent for that month.

I'm creating this GoFundMe to help with the one-two punch of this transition: first, being kicked out of our home. Second, my move across the country. A lot of the heft of this money is for moving expenses that we just can't cover, and to keep my parents & dog fed and able to afford their medications while I am still housed with them. Some of it will go toward a safety net that will keep me housed and sane during this upcoming year in a new city. We don't know where we're gonna end up right now and it's very scary. My mother is disabled and in need of spinal surgery at the moment, my dad is currently unmedicated for his severe mental illnesses. We don't have a support system since the passing of my grandfather and are kind of hanging in mid-air, waiting to drop out of the sky. We are all doing our best, I am continuing to work multiple jobs and my dad has found work in Louisiana and is away as we work to clear the house.

I have put up a GoFundMe only one other time. When my family lost everything and was dislocated due to Hurricane Harvey. I received just over $400 and was able to buy a mattress with that money. I would be grateful for that money now, just as I was then. But I will be honest, we need a whole lot more to dig us out of this hole. Any and all help is so, so appreciated. If you live in Austin, Texas, we are in desperate need of boxes & help packing. Don't be a stranger and come over to give us a hand if you're able!

Thank you dearly, friends.

With much heartbreak,

Olivia Hunter Willke

Update: We have been able to secure a storage unit and dumpster for our move! My dad was able to schedule a doctor's appointment to get his medication! We've been able to eat and keep food in the house on a regular basis! Thank you so much!