Stay Here for the Arts Northwest
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As many of you know, I am and have been a Native American Cultural Arts Educator across Native America for the past 28 years. However, this last year and a half have been very trying in the Pacific Northwest here. Some Washington schools have funding for Native Education, but only certified State Teachers are allowed to teach those programs, which has shut me out of a field I have decades of experience in. This has left me in the position of relying heavily on my work in Minneapolis. Due to health reasons and other setbacks, I wasn’t able to participate in my usual residency this Spring; this was a major financial blow that I still haven’t recovered from.
Previously, my landlord was willing to work with me when I would get behind, but this summer my luck with them ran out. At the very end of August they informed me that due to late fees and missed rent, I needed to come up with $4500 in less than two weeks or be evicted.
Ever since receiving this notice, it’s been a race against time to talk to local aid agencies, social workers, and housing programs to get help. And sadly, due to the very short window they gave me to respond, I haven’t been able to secure any assistance here in my home town. I’m on waiting lists for help, but that help won’t arrive for 3-6 months – far too late to stop the eviction.
I have already appeared in court and been told that I need to come up with a payment plan to address this balance. The court won’t stop the eviction completely, but they have given me a little more time to reach out for help and show them I can make a plan to pay.
I’ve put in applications all summer, and am now working with some kind and committed local Vocational Program workers who are trying to help me find regular employment, even part-time, so I can support myself going forward. Unfortunately, even though I’m starting to get some results on this front, it’s not going to be fast enough to keep the eviction at bay.
My friends, I ask for your help in the most humble manner and respect and thank you for any amount your heart can help out with towards my dilemma. If any of you feel it in heart and have the resources to help me reach at least the halfway mark I would be most grateful and humbled.
Previously, my landlord was willing to work with me when I would get behind, but this summer my luck with them ran out. At the very end of August they informed me that due to late fees and missed rent, I needed to come up with $4500 in less than two weeks or be evicted.
Ever since receiving this notice, it’s been a race against time to talk to local aid agencies, social workers, and housing programs to get help. And sadly, due to the very short window they gave me to respond, I haven’t been able to secure any assistance here in my home town. I’m on waiting lists for help, but that help won’t arrive for 3-6 months – far too late to stop the eviction.
I have already appeared in court and been told that I need to come up with a payment plan to address this balance. The court won’t stop the eviction completely, but they have given me a little more time to reach out for help and show them I can make a plan to pay.
I’ve put in applications all summer, and am now working with some kind and committed local Vocational Program workers who are trying to help me find regular employment, even part-time, so I can support myself going forward. Unfortunately, even though I’m starting to get some results on this front, it’s not going to be fast enough to keep the eviction at bay.
My friends, I ask for your help in the most humble manner and respect and thank you for any amount your heart can help out with towards my dilemma. If any of you feel it in heart and have the resources to help me reach at least the halfway mark I would be most grateful and humbled.
Organizer
Cochise Anderson
Organizer
Longview, WA
