As of January 2026, nearly 600,000 Black women have been forced out of the workforce (hitting 7.3% in December 2025). Like many, layoffs, compounded by a terrible job market and downturned economy, have placed individuals like myself in dire financial situations. The layoffs, widespread use of AI to replace human creativity, and industry restructuring has greatly affected my own household in a dramatic way. As an independent journalist, I lost all of my income. I am competing or freelance work with thousands of former staff journalists who have been laid off. I have applied to over 250 jobs within the last two months alone (have been applying vigorously for 6+ months), many rejections, ghosting, and only two lengthy, interviews which ended in rejections. With extended un/underemployment, my family is now housing insecure (for Prism Reports, I actually reported on eviction rates and how housing insecurity disproportionately affects Black families in 2025) with no safety net. We have just 10 days left to secure funding in order to prevent eviction, which would devastate our family of four. Any support is greatly appreciated and will be paid forward the second I am on my feet.

