(Additional ways to support at the bottom if you prefer other platforms instead of GFM.)

In April 2024, I made a fundraiser called "Preparing to Become Homeless Again." After three years of trying to survive a rent increase of $500 to $2000 and then $2400 a month, we ran out of income and into debt covering basic utilities. The purpose of the fundraiser was to help cover the rent through the summer/early fall and to best position ourselves for long-term homelessness.

In addition to the last few months of rent, with the donations from that campaign, we were able to purchase a 40-year-old camper and get it towed to a shop, repaired, replace the tires, and the roof sealed to make it more livable in the cold and rainy Washington winter. After we moved out of our home in early October 2024, remaining funds were put towards trying to prepare the RV for long-term survival.

In February 2025, I made a new fundraiser for supporting the ongoing costs of surviving homelessness. This fundraiser is the 2026 edition of that need.

My mother and I have our camper and a small shed parked on the property of her summer fruit stand boss (who lives out of state when the selling season is over). We’re allowed to stay here for the monthly cost of power and a portapotty because having someone here over the winter prevents theft of the expensive vehicles and tools they leave here. There is no running water for food or hygiene and we can’t keep much cold food because the multiple storms of last fall broke our outdoor freezer.

I spent much of last year promoting and the launching my Scooby Doo IP novel, THE HEX GIRLS: A ROGUE THORN. Aside from that, I had a short story published in a horror anthology and signed and submitted two other stories to upcoming anthologies.

Throughout all those projects, I also spent a lot of time revising my second book with the publisher of my debut novel (THE SHADOW SISTER). However, early this year my publisher and I mutually agreed to part ways on this contract after a long development process made it clear we had different visions for this book. A few days ago, the cancellation letter was officially finalized.

This was an extremely difficult decision for me as I am not really in a good position to turn down guaranteed income. It is very scary to add even more uncertainty to my future. I believe in myself and my writing, but being a novelist is a difficult career to afford even when you have “normal” resources available to you like proper shelter and healthcare.

I don’t have healthcare at the moment, because my income was $200 over the limit last year with my tax return. Fortunately—or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it—with no foreseeable payments coming in, I should be able to get back on state coverage soon. This is very good because my chronic illness (Neurofibromatosis, a genetic condition that causes tumor growths on nerves and chronic migraines) requires an expensive quarterly treatment to keep me at a baseline of health. Since losing coverage, I had to put my faith in the financial aid program of my local hospital to cover this treatment. I haven’t been able to see any other doctor for any other medical issues.

Because of my disability limiting my strength and healthy hours, writing is my sole source of income. I am working on other book ideas to eventually hope to submit to publishers, but that takes time. I’m also still seeking other IP opportunities and additional ways to monetize my work (including my Patreon, which will become a key focus of my efforts going forward). I promise I’m doing all I can to help and prove myself.

I will admit I am terrified. My limited income was the all I had not only to buy groceries and allow me to contribute to our bills, but my sole way of staying current on the credit card debt I amassed trying to avoid our homelessness in the first place. Since November, when I ran out of money from the savings of my last book payment, I have struggled to stay afloat. I don’t know what I’m going to do if I don’t increase my income or sell something soon.

When we became homeless two years ago, I thought there would at least be a small relief in the loss. Surely it would be easier to “pull ourselves up by the bootstraps/get back on our feet” without the crushing weight of being priced out of our hometown. But I had no idea how expensive long-term homelessness would be, especially in a society that has increasingly worked to make it harder and harder to exist without a permanent address.

I am trying to maintain hope, but it’s hard when the only substantial changes I keep facing are ones that worsen instead of improve. I promise to continue to try, and this new fundraiser is part of that. I promise to keep you updated monthly on our situation and progress. Thank you for reading, your kindness, friendship, and ongoing support.

Here are additional ways to support if you don't like GFM or would prefer to support elsewhere:

Venmo: @Lily-Meade-1

Cashapp: $lilymeade

Paypal direct link: Lily.la/paypal

Patreon (best for ongoing support):

Patreon.com/lilymeade