So it’s official, my spouse & I are moving to Oregon in August.
After years of back-and-forth, starting an MFA program (set to finish this June!), moving away and then back to Richmond, I’m starting a PhD program in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Oregon State University this Fall.
Living in the Pacific Northwest has been a long-standing dream and together we’ve made the decision to take that leap (along with a friend also ready for a change).
The catch: We have 5 months to raise $10,000. Yikes, I know. This is because our car is in need of some major repairs, and isn’t in great shape currently to drive cross country.
Along with getting rid of a majority of our belonging to make this work, this also means:
- $2000 for shipping the car. Lack of public transit in Corvallis + limited mobility on my end means a car is a must-have.
- $1500 for flights and a temporary rental car.
- $5000 for rent & security deposit.
- $1500 to help with buying necessities for the new place.
After the change in administration in January 2025, the org I was working with lost over 75% of their funding, and I was part of the staff that was cut as a result.
It’s been over a year and countless applications later, and I’m still underemployed. That makes saving for a major trip like this a hefty goal.
And, we’re hopeful that our community can pull together and support us in this next step.
While our coasts will change, our dedication to community will not. We’re committed to showing up as ourselves for those within our community, regardless of where we are. Long story short: We’ll be in whatever kitchen we have, continuing to whip up meals for those who need it.
We just need y’all’s help in getting there smoothly and safely.
We’re hoping to secure flights ASAP, as prices will increase as we get closer to our anticipated date – every dollar and every share counts!
With Gratitude,
Zuri