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Help Orin relocate

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Hello, my name is Orin O'Neill. I'm a disabled veteran, and the housing affordability crisis has come to my door.

The manager of my apartment complex in Bellingham, WA has told me rents will be going up substantially Sept. 1. My sole income is Social Security, and rent already accounts for over half that. Bellingham used to be a cheap place to live, but right now there's simply nothing available for less than $800/month. Housing suitable for roommates is well into four figures.

It is simply not possible for me to continue living here. However, there is a place that is very affordable: Tuscon, AZ. Rents there are roughly half what I would pay after the increase, and the cost of living in Tuscon is lower overall.

The rub is relocating there.

Obviously, living on a bit less than $1300/month doesn't leave room for saving money. And employment is hard to come by in Bellingham. This is where you come in.

I am asking you to help fund my relocation. As you well know, there are many expenses associated with a cross-country move... not just first/last/deposit on a new home, but moving of belongings (I don't have much stuff, but bringing what I have would be cheaper than buying all new things in Tuscon), settling utility accounts in the old place, travel to the new place, and so on.

If I were young and able-bodied, I could just get a U-Haul and do everything myself, but I'm not, so I'll have to hire some help at each end.

I also believe Murphy was an optimist, so building in a bit of a financial cushion for unforseen expenses makes sense.

I am hoping to be able to move into a new apartment in Tuscon on June 1; I am already culling my belongings and forming a plan to make the move happen.

I have no words to describe what your help would mean to me. What I can do is provide a full accounting of how the money is spent, and any funds left over will be donated to a worthy charity (which you can help me pick).

Like many people these days, I never imagined I would find myself in the position I'm presently in. About 10 years ago, I found myself homeless, briefly. I was no good at it, honestly. Luckily, a high school friend I'd reconnected with on Facebook offered me a place to stay. If you will help me, I will find ways to pay it forward, every day.

Thanks for reading this. And thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

Organizer

Orin O'Neill
Organizer
Bellingham, WA

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