Hello my name is Maribel. I’ve been licing in Portland Oregon since 2017 and graduated in 2020 with my masters in arts to pursue a career in mental health counseling. I’ve been working in the field as a mental health and problem gambling counselor since 2020 and even started my own private practice in 2022. My journey since moving to Oregon has been a rollercoaster but a magical and life changing experience to say the least. I’m so grateful for the life I’ve built and the connections I’ve created and cherish to this day. 

Unfortunately I’ve experienced hardship in keeping myself afloat financially this year and it’s caught up to me as the year comes to an end. 

I am asking for any help towards paying my rent. The goal amount reflects the total cost of 2 months rent for me. Starting Jan 1st 2026 I will be 2 months behind on payments.. My landlord has been very gracious & patient with me regarding rent I imagine largely due to the fact that I have had a long standing great tenant relationship with him going on 8 years. This is the first year/month that I have truly been in such a financial bind that i have not been able to afford my bills and rent. I am behind not only on rent but all other utility bills, even reaching overdraft in my bank account which furthers my doubt that I can make a financial recovery. 

It hurts a lot knowing I am a graduate in higher education and a business owner in mental health counseling yet facing obstacles in being able to meet my own basic needs and afford basic bills this year. I find some comfort and also sorrow knowing how many of my own clients & even some of my friends in working as counselors like me currently struggle with similar obstacles.

I am beyond allowing shame and guilt and embarrassment hinder me from possible help from others. I am beyond allowing beliefs that I am undeserving and/or above asking for help… any dollar amount donated towards my goal would be beyond appreciated and used towards securing my housing/stability. Preserving my housing will allow my pets to have a safe, familiar place to continue to live and also allow me to continue maintaining my business in remote /telehealth private practice mental health counselor. 

I have taken proactive steps towards digging myself out of this rut by both applying for different part time positions to supplement by current self employment based income, as well as sending in applications for being considered through varying state /county rental assistance. Unfortunately the process to be accepted and supported through state resources is not immediate. I’m in a time crunch to pay off at least some of my bills before the 1st…

Thank you all so much for considering , donating, and sharing. Happy holidays xoxo