Hello everyone.

 I feel awful using this format, but a lot of folks asked how they could help and this is the only thing I could think of. On August 15th I set out from Georgia to move into my new rental in Bonny Doon, a small community in the Santa Cruz mountains. I had to travel fast due to the urgent need for oral surgery that could not be conducted in Georgia before I left. My dog Clio and I arrived at my new place on August 17th and unpacked our belongings only to find that the recent wildfires had shut off the power and water. This caused us to find a hotel room in the area for what I thought would be a few days at the most until services were restored. In reality, the CZU Lightning Complex fires had other plans.

The evacuation notice happened on Tuesday before we could go back and retrieve anything. We had hoped that we would be fortunate and that once the fires were under control we could return. The smoke and fires got so bad Clio and I headed to San Jose to evacuate early. On August 21st my landlord informed me that my place had been destroyed. I tried to establish renter's insurance earlier in the week, but every insurance company I contacted had placed a moratorium on new policies. So here we are.

I have no idea when I will receive any deposit refunds, or even how much I will receive. My landlord lived above my rental and lost his home of thirty years as well, so I'm sure he's got a lot going on and will do the best he can.

I am not completely sure what was lost at this point beyond several suitcases of clothes, Clio supplies, computer and electronic equipment, and photographs. Every time I start to look for something in the bare minimum amount of possessions I did keep with me I have to remind myself that it was probably left behind in the blaze. The good news is that I had hired a moving company to ship the majority of my possessions, but now these items are floating in limbo as there is no place for them to go. The moving company is going to be able to store them at a cost until I find a solution, so finding a new place to live is imperative. Clio and I are currently still at our room at an Extended Stay in San Jose, but our resources have been more than depleted after a week of hotel stays. 

Once again I feel terrible resorting to this, as I feel guilty that others have lost so much more than me. But I know I can't afford hotels anymore and trying to come up with the funds for another deposit/first and last month's rent right now seems impossible. Any donations received will go towards food and securing shelter for myself and my dog. If you are able to help in any way Clio and I would greatly appreciate it. If you aren't, we totally accept love and well wishes. 

I hope you all are well, and that everyone is safe. Take care,
Wyatt

UPDATE: I am truly blown away by everyone's support so quickly. I increased the maximum goal based upon advisements, but I never expected to reach the goal so quickly. So thank you.