My name is Shondi Pugh, I am 47 years old and I live in Austin, Texas. I’m a proud member of the LGBTQ community and have been a long-standing citizen and service provider in the city since 2004. I’m working hard to get back on my feet after a devastating divorce process.

I live with lupus (SLE) and fibromyalgia, along with ongoing health challenges from my breast cancer journey. Over the past year and a half, I’ve faced a series of losses that have left me struggling to rebuild. During the separation, leading up to divorce, I used my small retirement savings to cover my mortgage, utilities, and basic living expenses. I had retired from my hairstyling career in 2023 to start a new family business with my spouse, where I was promised a higher-earning role—an opportunity that disappeared when we separated.

I’m doing everything I can to rebuild stability and independence. I currently manage a short-term rental/Airbnb on my property, have taken in a housemate , and work a combination of hairstyling, social media management, dog walking, boarding, and accessible movement/dance teaching.

The costs from my divorce have been overwhelming—over $12,000 in legal fees (with $700 still owed to my attorney), plus medical bills including a surgical biopsy and emergency dental work, both sent to collections as I was in divorce process while these things happened and had no access to community funds beyond what I brought in, during the separation and divorce proceedings. I owe a close friend $2,500 for helping cover critical repairs (new washing machines used for both my salon and rental), medical costs, and daily living expenses.

My only vehicle was taken and sold in December, leaving me without transportation for six months. I’m currently borrowing a friend’s car, but I urgently need to secure my own reliable vehicle to get to appointments and work safely. I need two dental implants and additional dental work. I also need access to therapy, which I cannot currently afford.

The funds from this campaign will go directly toward:

Immediate need for mortgage help

Paying down medical and legal debts

Getting out of collections for surgical biopsy

Reimbursing the friend who has supported me

Securing safe, reliable transportation

Replacing the oven that broke before my spouse left

Junk Haul from Ex Spouse's Shed/Workshop in my backyard

Every contribution—no matter the size—helps me take another step toward stability and independence. Please know that I’ve done everything possible to avoid needing to ask for help, and I am deeply humbled and grateful for any support you can give.

With love and gratitude,

Shondi Pugh