Support Carlos Rosario's Transition to Safe Housing
Donation protected
Dear Friends, Family, and whomever may be reading this at this very moment. My name is Carlos Rosario. I'm a 24-year-old Queer Dominican Photographer based in Queens, NYC. For over 15+ years, Corona, Queens has been my sanctuary and where I grew up. It's where I came out of the closet for the first time and broke out of my shell, where I found myself, where I've laughed with friends/family over countless dinners, and where I've weathered many of life's storms.
Every crack and crevice in these walls tells a unique story filled with timeless memories. But now, I have to say goodbye to my childhood home, and I need your help to do it with dignity.
(Photograph of Me and my Parents. I miss this.)
THE CURVEBALL LIFE THREW ME:
- Remember those movies you've watched where someone's life changes overnight? Well, this is my version, minus the fairy tale ending (at least, so far). My Dad, who was handling our rent payments, let over $4,000+ of rent due pile up for months without telling me until a few days ago. Now, I'm facing imminent eviction from the only real home that I've known as an adult.
WHERE I'M AT (LITERALLY AND FIGURATIVELY):
- So far, I am currently working alongside an LGBTQ+ resource center called "New Alternatives" to help facilitate my transition from permanent housing to a temporary shelter until I am able to get myself situated in a safe space I can call home. While I am incredibly grateful for their help, I am also terrified and very concerned for my future. Here's the catch: I need to move all of my possessions, including valuables and personal documents, into a storage facility, and I don't have a penny to my name.
Fifteen years of memories, good and bad, that stick with you forever, they don't pack themselves. These memories aren't just something that I can leave on the curbside to be lost and abandoned.
WHAT KEEPS ME UP AT NIGHT:
- The fear of losing over 15+ years of memories and happiness that I would never get back just because I'm unable to afford to move it into storage before 11/21/24.
- Storage Unit Fees (because my shelter bed won't fit 15+ years of my life under it.)
- Moving Costs
WHAT YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS WILL ASSIST WITH:
1. Storage Company Quote: First month Rent - $1
Every month afterwards (Dec 2024 - Onwards): - Rent $137 + Insurance $20 = $157/monthly
2. Moving Company Quote: TBD (I am still in the process of finding a trustworthy moving company and will update my progress on here ASAP as soon as I find a good company.)
3. Shelter Expenses/Basic Necessities:
- Zipper padlocks/padlock for my belongings so they don't get stolen at the shelter.
- Toiletries (Soap, Shampoo, Conditioner, Lotion, Personal Care Products)
- Food (Living in a shelter, I won't have the luxury of being able to go into a kitchen and cook whenever I'd like to.)
- Clothing (Shoes, Shirts), Undergarments (Briefs/T-shirts, Socks), Shirts, Button-downs, Pants, Belts, Ties
THE IMPACT OF YOUR SUPPORT:
Every dollar contributed to my campaign will directly help me in:
- Preventing the loss/theft of my personal belongings.
- Securing safe storage for my possessions in a storage facility.
- Making this emergency transition as smooth as possible.
- Maintaining my dignity/faith during this challenging time.
MY PROMISE: I commit to -
- Providing updates on my situation as soon as they come.
- Being as transparent as possible about how funds are used (via Instagram stories @whothehelliscarl0s) and on here.
- Paying it forward by giving back to the community when I'm back on my feet (via doing free photography shoots).
Any amount helps - whether it is $5, $50, or $500. If you are unable to donate at the moment, I completely understand. Sharing this campaign on any social media platforms you utilize, along with sharing with any friends/family or someone you may know can help get us closer to our goal and make my 25th birthday on December 3rd, 2024 the best one I've ever had, instead of the worst.
Thank you once again from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read my story and considering helping me during this difficult/critical transition.
TARGET GOAL: $5,000 for Living Expenses, Storage Rent, Future Security Deposit, Bills, Basic Necessities.
With Gratitude,
Carlos Rosario Pichardo.
(P.S - If you're interested in checking out my photography, please feel free to look at my portfolio on Behance
{Photography Portfolio, or on Instagram: @whothehelliscarl0s where I will be posting updates, along with on here.)
Organizer
Carlos Rosario
Organizer
Corona, NY