This is for my friend, Jo. Jo is like so many people in this country right now. She works hard at a retail job where she is an assistant manager. In another time, that would be a good job, and she would be able to live a decent life on what she makes. But these are different times.

She is single and has no family support and has found herself in circumstances that are untenable. She had to raid her savings and 401-K to take care of her mother who had Alzheimer’s. She lost her home. She is now living in an extended stay motel with her two cats, all that she has left. She has a car that is in need of repairs. All she wants is to get enough money to get out of that hotel. It is a never-ending struggle, week after week, to just come up with the money to stay there, let alone get out.

Jo is also a talented, budding artist and writer. That creativity is, I think, the only thing besides her beloved cats, keeping her going. She is happy to paint for people in exchange for donations, but they are sporadic as you can imagine. She is a fan of Doctor Who. She has a great sense of humour, and I am in awe of how she keeps a positive outlook on the worst of days.

I know that Jo’s story is not unique, sadly. There are so many people like her. Just wanting a tiny bit of comfort to continue working and maybe finding a bit of happiness and peace. She makes just enough to not qualify for any type of assistance, a great irony. She is trapped in a kind of financial limbo. I know how she feels as I went through this exact same scenario myself several years ago. It is really hard to get out of that cycle of living in those extended stays. You feel trapped. And they are not usually nice or safe places. And one disaster, illness, car breakdown, will cause you to possibly end up on the street.

If you feel so inclined, I am asking on her behalf for $2000 of donations. That would give her enough money to pay a deposit on a place or find a roommate situation. Any extra I’m sure would be appreciated to go towards car repairs.

Thank you all so much for your consideration. Please note that Jo only has PayPal and no traditional bank account. She is aware of this fundraiser and is happy for me to take donations and then transfer to her PayPal. I am happy to answer any questions about this or have you connect with Jo to confirm.