Blessings, I'm Marie, aka M.Pres.
If you know me, you will know that this is very difficult for me; to speak publicly about my struggle and to ask for help. I always try to work things out on my own first. God helps those who help themselves.
I have been struggling with homelessness for the past 5 years consistently.
Here's a link to the 1st single from my album, written about my experience
Throughout the journey, I've been blessed with good friends who have opened their homes to me for periods of time, and my heart is forever grateful for their love and compassion.
I have never stopped working, all over the country in fact. As an Independent Mobile Massage Therapist, Covid brought my industry to a standstill. I had to take jobs outside my field to get by.
I've returned to Full time Massage therapy and have been steadily building my client base here from West Palm Beach to South Miami.
Some of my income is cash-based, and none of it is guaranteed salary. I provide an on-demand service that often sees fluctuations... but I always get by and I'm usually "bill broke" ... as in all my bills are paid but there's nothing left for groceries. Which is tough as a vegan.
Rental agencies won't approve me for housing.
I'm looking for a "By Owner" housing situation. Rent/ rent to own... anything that's unfurnished.
Local agencies won't approve me for assistance because what I do make is more than the cap. I don't even qualify for food stamps.
The past 2 years post covid I've been working full time and saving while sleeping in my car at the beach, in parks, and Planet Fitness parking lots.
I was able to save enough to finally secure an apartment. I got my belongings out of storage after 5 years and I moved in February 2024.
So far I was able to fully support myself and all of my expenses, I even set up a recording studio space in the apartment to work on new musical projects. I was settling in and finally recovering from the stress of being homeless.
Until... June 12, 2024.
Flash Flooding (Read : Sewage/ Blackwater) in Hallandale Beach, Florida where I live, has devastated everything I've worked for.
Literally the couch was floating through the living room... I spent 15 hours filling bathtubs and sinks trying to drain out the water.
After only 3 months of finally being safe inside and off the road, I am forced to pack up and go.
My Renters Insurance doesn't cover flooding. I've lost furniture, clothes, food, recording equipment, art, family heirlooms.
My Car was also flooded, and contaminated but my basic liability insurance doesn't cover any of this damage.
I need my car for work as I provide Massage Therapy in clients' homes.
If I can't safely get to work with my equipment, I can't earn, to move myself forward.
Thank god the car runs, but I can't afford to clean it properly or get it checked / flushed / tuned, oil & filter changes.
My furniture is all Heirloom / Antique, and must be decontaminated, but insurance doesn't cover.
That bill is $250 out of pocket.
I have to leave my apartment and most places are asking 3x monthly rent to get a new lease.
I currently have some funds but will need up to $2500 to secure housing.
I'm asking for any possible donations to help me get on stable ground again.
I am so grateful that I was able to stay physically safe during this really scary situation, but the recovery is beyond what I can do alone.
Anything helps.
God Bless and Protect EVERYONE
Organizer
