Hey Framily,
As most of you know I'm an American expat living in Edinburgh Scotland UK. I've been in Edinburgh on and off since 2008, moving here permanently in November 2009.
I moved here with big hopes and dreams and approximately 2 suitcases, with about 20% of my life shipped over in boxes. Since I moved here I have tried very hard to keep a roof over my head. The first 10 years were spent working 2 jobs and caring for a disabled husband. The relationship broke down because of irreconcilable differences and mental abuse aimed at myself. I left that situation, homeless and searching for a place to live. I entered into a flatshare with a questionable flatmate and dysfunctional neighbours, causing me to move again after just 6 months. That's when I found my current home here in Gilmerton. A lovely wee 2 bedroom with loads of space, conveniently located near a tranquil forest, shopping, all of my doctor and hospital needs and up the road from my current workplace. I had to endure 3 nightmare flatmates, on top of covid lockdown, in this flat. In the end it has remained my comfort zone and my lovely home.
Last year I was finally allowed to live here in peace on my own and have loved every second of it! Unfortunately I have been asked to relocate because my Swedish landlord wants to sell the flat, evicting me in a month's time. I am struggling from the stress of this. There is absolutely nothing available in my area to rent and I can't fathom dealing with another nightmare flatshare!
My wish is to stop paying absolutely extortionate rental fees as a tenant and to own my flat. I am spending so much on rent that I could've paid off most of a mortgage on this flat by now!
The problem is that I am low income as a preschool teacher and have no savings. I lost a lot when I divorced my ex and moved out on my own. This economy is a nightmare and trying to save money to own a home is nearly impossible. Not to mention the fact that all I do is work to live and survive. In the 16 years I have been in Scotland I have yet to take a proper holiday away to relax and enjoy my time off. Any time off I get is spent trying to cope with chronic illnesses and health issues. This last hurdle is taking a toll on both my mental and physical health. The thought of being homeless during the holidays is looming over me every minute of everyday.
So I am asking for some support. I am trying to put a healthy deposit down for a mortgage so that I no longer have to worry about where I will plant roots here in Scotland. Its my forever home and I don't want to struggle anymore.
Anyone willing to help me reach my goal is more than welcome to come stay in my spare bedroom and enjoy my favourite city! My home, once I can officially call it mine permanently, will be your home too anytime you want to visit! And I will pay forward the generosity to someone else needing support in the future, once I get my ducks in a row.
Thank you for your time and generosity.
Love and Light
Tanya