Hi, I'm Kyla, a visual artist from Saint Louis. I currently work at a local grocery store until I can resume teaching for the 2025 school year. In education, I work one-on-one with special needs students. After the last school year ended in May 2025, I fell behind on rent and was threatened with eviction twice (June & July). In order to stay housed, I took out a high-interest loan that garnishes my bank account twice a month, creating a vicious cycle of debt and negative balances. Immediately after I was threatened with eviction in June, my natural gas services were disconnected. As August approaches, I find myself trying to make ends meet with very limited resources. In a matter of days, my phone service will be disconnected, making it almost impossible to keep in touch with my new and current employers.

Since September of 2024, I've applied to roughly 100+ jobs in order to cover my cost of living, but to no avail. Throughout 2025, I've applied for rental and utility assistance. Unfortunately, I was denied from multiple sources. The stress of my financial situation has taken a toll on my mental health. Your donation could help a visual artist and passionate educator maintain housing, electricity, and phone service for a little while longer. I pray that things will change for the better once the school year starts.