Support Petra's Journey to Stability and Employment

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Support Petra's Journey to Stability and Employment

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Hi, my name is Petra and I've found myself in need of some financial help to avoid eviction. I realize that this economy has left many in financial distress, but I’m hoping I can still find some support.

I’ve been out of work for 3 years. I left my job after 15 years because of burnout that caused poor mental health and triggered several relapses of an autoimmune disease. For two years, I tried to manage my health before attempting to return to work. I used all my savings in order to keep my husband and me afloat. Last year, I started looking for work and have had many interviews but have been unsuccessful in finding work that pays a livable wage.

I’ve lived in this rental since August 2016 and was a great tenant, paying my rent on time each month, taking care of the property, and contacting him only when major repairs were needed. When I explained my situation to let him know I wouldn’t be able to pay rent for September, he seemed very understanding and offered to help in any way he could. He then asked that I submit a 30-day notice to vacate since I couldn’t pay rent. I sent it because I had no other choice but further explained that I didn’t have money to move out and nowhere to go. CA law states that a landlord can generally enforce a 30-day vacate notice even if a tenant has nowhere to go. My family and friends live on the East Coast, and I don’t have anyone where I live who can provide temporary shelter.

This situation is new to me, and I’m afraid that I will be put out without securing a place to live. Not to mention, this would create a more difficult situation for me to seek employment.

In the meantime, this is what I’ve been doing to prepare for the inevitable:

  • Donate/sell most of my belongings
  • Packing only what I can take with me
  • Trying to re-home my two senior cats
  • Schedule an appointment for bulky waste to pick up what I can't normally throw out with regular trash
  • Search for affordable apartments, moving companies, storage options, etc.

Since I’m expected to move out by 9/30/25, my immediate goals are:

  • Cover rent for September
  • Secure a more affordable apartment and maybe cover some rent until I can start working again
  • Cover moving expenses

This has been a year of losses; my marriage, the ability to cover my living expenses, and now the place I’ve called home for 9 years. I’m actively applying and interviewing for jobs every day, and I truly believe that if I remain positive, I'll eventually get to a much better place.

With much gratitude, Petra

Organizer

Petra Perez-O'Brien
Organizer
Rosemont, CA

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