Hi everyone. My name is Ivorie, I’m 21 years young, and I’m from Minnesota. I’m not someone who usually asks for help online, but right now I truly need it.

To be direct, my rent was increased, and I’m no longer in a financial position to keep up with my bills. I applied for rental assistance, but I was told the waitlist extends all the way back to August.

I was able to make an agreement with my landlord of two years, who is aware of the financial dilemma I’m in. If I move out by the beginning of February and pay a portion of what’s owed, they will not file an eviction. If I’m unable to move by then, they will proceed with the eviction and court process, which could make it extremely difficult for me to rent for up to seven years and would lead to homelessness.

This situation did not happen because of irresponsibility. I was afraid to come online and ask for help because of the common assumption that people facing homelessness are simply not paying their bills, when in reality many people are just one missed paycheck away from homelessness. My income has decreased over the past month, and on top of that, my job notified employees to expect a pause in payments for up to 90 days due to ICE and fraud investigations affecting my field of work(Somali-Owned PCA/Healthcare Agencies ). I care for my dad who is disabled & receives monthly SSI that may be cut soon as well. I’ve been looking for secondary jobs but i never hear anything back. I’m scared of what the next few months will look like for us as well as the other people out there who are facing this same problem. I worry about my community members who i can only provide minimal help to because of my own situation.

Right now, I’m trying to move somewhere more affordable while I still have the chance. My current rent is so high + utilities , and I’m actively looking for an apartment that is more affordable for me at this time. If you’re wondering why I moved into an apartment that expensive to begin with, my previous apartment complex was infested with bed bugs. I had to throw away my belongings and find somewhere else to live on very short notice, and this was the first place that approved me.

I have found a few apartment options, but if I’m unable to transition quickly enough, my dog and I will have nowhere to go and will be facing uninhabitable Minnesota temperatures below zero. I’m scared, i’m hungry and unfortunately i’m expecting the worst if i’m unable to get help 

All donations will go directly towards livelihood costs only. This includes the security deposit, admin fee, application fee, first month’s rent required at move in, pet deposit, storage, food for my dad & necessities, the amount owed to my current landlord.

I’m just a little embarrassed that I had to come online and ask for help.

If I reach my donation goal, I will update everyone so you know your support truly changed the course of my life. 

Any support means more than I can express, whether it is $1, sharing this fundraiser, or words of encouragement. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for any help you’re able to offer.

edit: a community member told me i should save for a few months worth of housing expenses. i agree because there’s no telling how long this payment hold will last or when it will happen again..just wanted to be transparent