Magalie's Pandemic Emergency Relief Fund

Hey, my name is Magalie. Before the coronavirus hit New York this spring I was working as a banquet server who occasionally freelanced as a photo assistant. My goal this year was to find steadier work as a barback/bartender while pursuing more freelance work and building my photo portfolio but all of those industries have been badly affected by this pandemic.

Last June, after 15 months of homelessness spent sleeping on the train, on a few couches, park benches, and illegal Airbnb's, I found permanent housing in the form of what turns out to be an illegal room rental.

Lately, I've fantasized about winning the lottery so that I can buy some photo equipment, quit living in small weekly room rentals, and move forward with my life but at the moment I need to make sure I don't end up homeless again.

The money I was receiving from unemployment benefits barely covered the basics and now I'm one of many people that the NY Department of Labor has failed by not processing my new claim.

I need to pay my weekly rent no later than Friday. As I'm writing this, I have $2, and I just ran out of toilet paper and food. I've been estranged from my family for years and I don't have any close friends nearby.

The subways are out of service from 1am to 5am so sleeping on the train isn't even an option. I have no idea when the NY Dept. of Labor will approve my claim so unfortunately I have to appeal to you all so that I can have my living expenses covered for the next 3-4 months. Donations big and small would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.