Hi,

My name is Joe Greenbaum. I'm a 67 year old, retired, and living on Social Security. These past few years have been financial difficult. My monthly check is supposed to be $955.00 but for the next 30 months they are deducting 98.00 because I made to much over the limit in 2019. Add to that the state is not covering my Medicare part B anymore and with that deduction my monthly check is only $710.00. I was driving for Lyft but my car failed the yearly inspection in January of 2023 and I couldn't afford to get it fixed.

I have a genetic disease called Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) which affects my feet, legs, hands, and balance. In October of 2022 I fell and broke my elbow. I also had to start using a walker. In July of 2023 I had a hip replacement. With all these medical issues it's hard to find part time work.

I am an artist and with limited ability to market my work I sell maybe 1 or 2 paintings a month.

I need a safety net, a cushion in the bank. I calculate 4 months x $710. Right now if an emergency came up I wouldn't have the money. Half my check goes to rent.

I would also use funds to expand my art business. Right now all I have is a phone. Things I need would be a laptop to be used for videos, photos of art work, editing, and developing and maintaining a website. I have been told by other artist to mat and frame pieces and in their experience my art would sell better. I would need an inventory of mat board, mat cutter, and generic frames.

At 67 I never imagined that I would be living well below the poverty level. I need help to get back on my feet. Every morning I give thanks for another day but by bedtime my anxiety level is high. What ever you can give would be a blessing and very much appreciated. I'm not sure what I can offer in return except the promise to pay it forward.

PS. If you would like to see my art you can go to my Fine Arts page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/standswithmanyarts.

Thank you