Urgent: Facing Eviction

Dear Friends and Family,

As you may know, the protected period to resolve pandemic rent debts in the State of California ended at the end of February, 2024.

Unfortunately, although I had received rent relief through most of the pandemic, I find myself in the position of having back due rent and I am now facing eviction, effective immediately. I have 5 days to pay what is due or I will be locked out of my apartment on April 17, 2024.

I had hoped there would be some leniency to continue waiting for the government program for rent relief as I had received those funds twice before in an amount equal to what I owe but as unfortunately I was not selected for this round of rent relief, I am once again left having to pay my landlord all back-due rent now to stave off this eviction.

As far as I am aware, I can end the eviction before the lock-out immediately by paying off the debts which will cause them to retract the filing and end the suit immediately. If the judge processes the eviction and rules in their favor, I must relinquish my lease and the apartment but I will still need to pay the back due rent regardless in addition to damages to the extent of twice the amount owed.

I arrived on this amount to factor in back-due rent, any damages or legal fees I must pay, moving costs (if necessary), to pay first, last and deposit on a new apartment (if necessary) and/or rent paid forward to allow me a safety net while I continue securing my future here.

In the six, almost seven, years I have lived in LA I have supported myself to continue living in my apartment. I am proud to say that I have been able to support myself without needing to ask for outside funds or without passing the hat for myself. I am proud to say that through covid funds and as an actor, model, nanny, dog-sitter, jewelry designer, social media manager and general freelancer, I have to this point maintained my lifestyle by myself here, independently.

However, like so many in my field, I find myself in this financial position from the work stoppages in the entertainment industry due to the effects of covid and the dual strikes of the Writers' and Actors' guilds.

This period of time has been extremely harrowing, forcing many like myself to have to pursue career changes to other industries without warning to stay afloat. I also already stood on tenuous ground because of the extreme distress I suffered at the dissolution of my relationship and the time it took me to recover emotionally and financially (IYKYK).

At this point in time, I must ask my community to ensure my immediate survival here and the continuation of my tenancy.

It's not my wish to be in this position, and I certainly never again desire to be in this position moving forward as I have attained and value self-sufficiency in engaging in parallel careers and have employment which will pay my future rent. However, as you know, these have been most difficult financial times for actors, the most so of my entire career.

I hope that you can see this as an investment in my career with the thought that it will be returned to you many times over when I have found success. I have every instinct to have the faith that I will be in the best position for my career remaining in Los Angeles were I have worked for six years already to put myself in the position to be one casting decision away from material success, having received already the formal degree, conservatory study, headshots, on-camera intensives, independent film roles, SAG-AFTRA membership and demo material that I need for my manager to continue get auditions.

I have everything I need now for success but only need to pay my back rent so that I can continue my life in LA. I didn't come this far to only get this far and I truly believe that it would be the greatest waste of resources to abandon my marathon now, at the final sprint.

I understand some will believe it would be best for me to return to domestic life in Boston but unfortunately I don't believe at this time that would be a move that best serves anyone. I will be derailed in my career aspirations and for manifold personal reasons (IYKYK, again).

I ask you to consider helping me with all or some of the resources.

Truly, no amount is too big or too small. If I’ve ever inspired or entertained you, this is my tip jar. If I've helped you in your entertainment career, I would appreciate your returned generosity. If you are interested in philanthropy, I am very happy to oblige you too!

Even if we are strangers, I appreciate your gift immensely.

If you should wish, there is also a feature to donate anonymously.

Anyone who helps me in this hour of need, I certainly won't forget.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please reach out.

And please do forward to anyone else who might be able to give.

With Love,

Sarah