Mel's Eviction Defense Expenses & Monthly Expenses

Friends, my being unemployed for over two years has finally resulted in an eviction of which I have successfully kept at bay since the process began in November of last year.

I am representing myself and because I'm a member of my local tenants' union I'm fortunately well-equipped to know the law how to best protect myself. I have a very strong case substantiated by hard evidence and confident that I can settle to remain in my residence or win at trial.

That being said my only source of income is still financial aid and my school denied my petition for late registration while I waited for my MA to be conferred and so instead of receiving a financial aid refund next week I now am without until April. Permanent relocation (or even temporary relocation to my mother's) is not a reality until I receive my aid. I am, however, extremely fortunate and privileged in that I do have a safe place to land in the worst case event that I don't win my case or settle, before I receive said aid.

Assuming my landlord and I can't come to a settlement of some kind between now and our trial date in mid-March, I need to be prepared to make a substantial amount of copies of documents and get two and from the courthouse at least 4 times.

My IMMIEDIATE and most urgent need, however, is to keep my phone and power on. Beyond that are my Rx, and basic toiletry items not covered by EBT.

Phone and power are behind so they total $ 350.

Copies, transportation, Rx, & household items will be covered with anything beyond what I might receive to keep my phone in service.

As many of you may already know, I had to seek support late last year as I’ve been unemployed for almost 3 years, having been laid off 3 times, with the exception of a four month stint teaching.

I’ve applied to over 4200 jobs here in the Bay, remotely, and back home in Orlando, having received only 3 offers in that time (1 being fraudulent). My mother has helped me all that she can over the last 3 years and without her I don’t know where I’d be. She has kept me above water literally and emotionally.

I have a friend helping to manage and share the GoFundMe as I haven’t had internet since January of 2023 and rely on hotspots from the library when available. So Please know I may not see who is donating or be able to reply with a thank you in real time but will do so as soon as is possible.

There are 600k unhoused people in this country, 53% of them are students, and the Supreme Court just made being unhoused illegal. Too many folks have no support system and it’s unacceptable.

I am extremely grateful for any support even if it means sharing the campaign. All funds will be paid back/forward as soon as I'm on solid ground.

With Gratitude

Mel