A Short Bridge to Stability — Help Me Stay Housed While I Train for IT

I’m Michael — rebuilding after years of instability. I finally have housing and I’m training for a career in Systems Administration & Python Development.

My full 3-month bridge to stability is $8,000 (detailed below). Instead of asking for that all at once, GoFundMe is set to show smaller, rolling goals.

The current visible goal of $450 is Phase 1 — a short-term boost to keep me housed, fed, and online while I finish key certifications and start applying for IT jobs. As I hit each phase, I’ll raise the visible goal toward the full $8,000 budget.

Every dollar helps turn this second chance into lasting independence.

What I’ve done so far

Over the past year, I’ve completed the IBM AI Developer Professional Certificate on Coursera, finishing all ten courses from Python fundamentals to building generative AI–powered applications. This credential gives me practical, job-ready skills that I’m ready to put into action.

In the next 3 months, I’ll complete the Microsoft Cloud Support Associate and Duke University “Programming for Python Data Science: Principles to Practice” certificates on Coursera+, then begin applying for jobs with local companies and remote tech firms. I’ll post weekly updates so supporters can see real progress toward stability.

This campaign isn’t open-ended — it’s a focused push to cross the gap between housing and full employment.

Full 3-Month Bridge Budget (Total: $8,000)

Category Monthly Months Subtotal

Housing $1,400 3 $4,200

Essentials (food, hygiene, supplies) $500 3 $1,500

Internet $50 3 $150

Education (Coursera+ annual) — — $399

Contingency & fees (GoFundMe + small emergency fund) — — $1,751

Total Goal for 3-Month Bridge — — $8,000

Again: you may only see a smaller goal amount at the top of the page (starting at $450) — that’s just the current phase. The table above shows the full plan I’m working toward.

What your support does

This campaign is a short-term bridge — not ongoing support. You’re helping me:

Stay safely housed

Keep food, hygiene, and basic supplies covered

Keep Wi-Fi running so I can study, build projects, and apply for jobs

Finish certifications that make me hire-ready in IT

Your contribution is a direct investment in self-sufficiency and long-term stability.

My commitment to you

You’ll see updates every week, including:

Study progress and certificates earned

Budget transparency and receipts (as appropriate)

Job applications, interviews, and next steps

If, after 3 months, I’m on track but not yet hired, I’ll post a transparent update — showing results before requesting any possible extension.

With gratitude,

Michael