Due to my own bad planning I have always lived paycheck-to-paycheck. Identity theft a few months ago caused a ripple effect (even though the situation was eventually resolved and I got most of the missing money back) that left me with nothing in savings and very little in checking. Then at the end of June I had to move out of the house I'd been renting for five years on very short notice (I knew it was up for sale, but it went from "no interest" to "we need you out in about three weeks" very suddenly, through NO fault of the landlord). I travel for a living, so everything I own either was given away, sold, or went into storage and in between stretches out of town, I've been staying with friends, searching for apartments and trying to put together enough for security deposit / first month's rent.

I have found an apartment that has approved my application to rent.  But I have not been successful in putting together the money I need.

At the suggestion of several good friends, I'm starting a GoFundMe to raise what I need plus a slight cushion (in case there are hidden fees either in GoFundMe or at the new apartment lease signing, which is scheduled to happen in a few days, or in case I need to give the electric company a down-payment to turn the power on -- I can't move in to the new place until that's done).

I've always believed in helping others when I can. I've also always believed that in the adage that what you put into the universe returns to you three-fold. I don't need three-fold returns on the money I've given to help friends and others in their times of need -- I just need enough to get into this apartment and start building my savings again.

Thank you to everyone who suggested/encouraged me to do this GoFundMe, and to everyone who donates. I will find a way to repay every kindness done here, regardless of how much or how little. And if you can't donate anything because your own situation is tight/dire -- please know I understand.