In early 2025, I went on mental health leave from my job that deeply affected my well-being. This difficult period was made even harder by multiple personal losses and bereavement. When my leave ended, I learned that my job had been discontinued, and I have been out of work since March 2025. My partner, Nathanael, is a dedicated public educator, and we have been relying solely on his limited salary to get by.

My unemployment benefits ran out in October. I was finally eligible to apply for an extension in March, but my claim was just denied. I have exhausted my savings and have had to depend on credit cards just to cover basic needs, which has led to mounting debt. My family has been able to help at times, but that’s not sustainable. We also no longer qualify for SNAP or General Assistance because Nathanael’s salary is considered too high by federal standards, even though we are well below the area median income for California. Despite applying for many jobs, the market has been tough, and I have only had three interviews so far. To make matters more challenging, Nathanael is not paid during the summer break. Nathanael is hoping to work summer school, and I just completed several rounds of interviews for a prospective employer, but nothing is guaranteed.

If neither of us secures additional work soon, we will be without an income for three months. It’s very hard for me to ask for help and I’ve put off doing that for so long, but right now we are really at the breaking point. The funds from this fundraiser will help us cover essential expenses like groceries, rent, utilities, gas, and pay down debt during this uncertain time. Any support you can offer would mean the world to us as we navigate this difficult period. Thank you for reading our story and considering a donation or sharing our fundraiser.