Local 80 Grip David Stacey needs help

Hi, my name is David Stacey. I've been a grip over at IATSE Local 80 since 2017, been living and working in film/tv here in LA since 2007. Some of you may remember me from my days in camera or electric.

For the last couple of years, I have been struggling to maintain regular hours, and while I have mostly managed to survive despite a pandemic, I have finally found myself in a financial situation where I cannot dig myself out..

Since August of last year, work has steadily declined while my bills have been piling up. My last day of work was January 28. On the 1st of March, I was asked to show up on set to dayplay on a low budget film. I jumped into my car only to find out it is completely dead. I now find myself in a predicament where I am absolutely stuck. I overdrew my checking account writing my last rent check back in February, I'm running dangerously low on food, and I can't even get approved for uber rides to work, unemployment, or financial aid through various institutions that I've asked for help from. I can't even afford to tow my car to the dealership to have them look at the problem.

After doing research, I have set a goal of $10k in requested aid because I know it'll probably cost me around $7k for a new battery, but also because I need help to keep my home over my head. I've tried selling off my gear, but that has not been a fruitful exercise.

At the end of the day, I just want to get back to work. I've spent 18 years of my life in film and tv, and due to my specific set of skills, I have found it hard to even find part time work anywhere, which has been made impossible by the circumstance of losing my car.

Please, I have exhausted every other option, and I'm not good at asking for help. I need help, though. This aid will help me get back to one day possibly getting my custody and visitation reinstated with my daughter, whom I haven't been allowed to see since January 19.