Hi, I’m Sterling.

I started this GoFundMe after experiencing the harsh reality of an eviction hearing. My property management company failed to address a serious sewage issue despite repeated requests for nearly a year. After withholding a portion of my rent for one month, they quickly filed fraudulent eviction documents in an attempt to obtain a default judgment. Had they succeeded, I would be unsheltered and burdened with an eviction record, making it nearly impossible to secure future housing.

Although I managed to get a hearing, the process was clearly biased in favor of the property management company. The judge refused to grant a continuation, limiting my ability to prepare a proper defense. Forced into arbitration, I was given minimal concessions and an unrealistic timeline to catch up on rent.

Legal aid for cases like mine is scarce—few lawyers practice in this field due to its lack of profitability, and while some nonprofit and community organizations provide consultation, I’ve been unable to secure full legal representation.

I am seeking funding to obtain legal guidance, replace damaged work equipment, and meet the unethical stipulations fees and back rent. The next two months are crucial to avoid more unfair litigation as I prepare to take a stand for due process and fair housing.

Any contribution, no matter how small, will help me pursue fair housing protections and challenge these predatory practices. Your support means the world to me.

A Thank You From Me, Through Poetry

For every donation over $50, I’ll send a thank-you card along with a printed copy of one of my poems. I’ll be posting a new poem each day—you can choose a favorite, or let me select one from the 78 pieces I’ve written over the past four years.

For contributions over $100, I’m also working on a printed zine—a curated collection of my poetry as a special gift.

The first poem is called "Common Ground"