Dear readers:

We - Paul and Bette, along with our dog, Dulcinea, and cat, Mr. Salty - have found ourselves in a desperate financial and housing situation. Our current landlord just let us know that they will not be renewing our lease.

After living here for eight years, we have been given until the end of February 2026 to find new living accommodations.

We are both in our late 60s, living on limited incomes. We receive monthly Social Security payments and Bette works part-time. . Unfortunately, Paul was laid off from a full-time position of many years at a major defense contractor. But while he has continued to look for new employment, our financial situation has become desperate. Like many Americans, we are having difficulty making ends meet. We recently surrendered one of our cars to lessen expenses.

We don’t have funds in reserve to cover the requirements of new housing including first and last month’s rent, a security deposit and moving expenses. We are terrified at the thought of being homeless. We are asking those who are able to contribute whatever you can so we may stay housed. We will be forever grateful for your help and, in the spirit of giving, look forward to the day when we can pay it forward to others.

With love,

Paul, Bette, Dulcinea, and Mr. Salty.