Tasha Williams

My name is Tasha, and my current lease ends on October 22, 2026. After an extended job search, exhausting my savings, relying on credit, and accepting help from family, friends, churches, and community resources, I am now facing the possibility of losing stable housing. Creating this fundraiser is one of the most humbling things I have ever had to do. How I Got Here I have worked since I was 16 years old and spent more than 25 years building a career in financial services and mortgage operations. Over the course of my career, I have experienced four layoffs. Each time, I relied on my savings, adjusted financially, returned to work, and rebuilt my stability. Until now, I have always been able to recover. My most recent layoff occurred in September 2023 during a company reduction in force. After a long search for employment, I decided to live overseas for approximately one year in an effort to stretch my remaining savings. I handled the residency process myself rather than hiring an immigration attorney because conserving my financial resources was important. I began applying to U.S. employers in June 2025, several months before returning home. In September 2025, I returned to the United States to be closer to my daughter. We had planned to eventually relocate to Colorado Springs together. What I did not anticipate was how difficult it would be to reenter the workforce. I Have Continued Trying Since beginning my U.S. job search, I have pursued opportunities in mortgage and financial services as well as other industries. I have applied for positions at my previous professional level, junior roles, customer service positions, temporary and contract work, and jobs outside my industry. I have networked extensively. Former colleagues and professional contacts who know my work have personally forwarded my resume to HR representatives and key decision-makers within their organizations. I have also continued developing new skills through free professional development courses while searching for work. When I returned to the United States, I chose not to purchase a vehicle until I secured employment because I wanted to preserve as much of my remaining savings as possible. That decision helped stretch my finances, but not having a vehicle has also limited some short-term and supplemental income opportunities. Despite these efforts, I have not yet been able to secure employment. During this prolonged period of unemployment, I have exhausted my savings and relied on credit cards to keep a roof over my head. Friends and family have also helped me remain housed for as long as possible. I am incredibly grateful for their support, but those resources have limits. I have also pursued rental and community assistance. My church previously provided financial help, another local church assisted with part of my rent during the summer, and I have contacted additional churches and community organizations. On September 1, I met with a local housing assistance agency and was told that rental funding was not available for a single-person household. Other programs I have researched prioritize families with children or have eligibility requirements that I do not meet. I understand that limited assistance funds must be prioritized. Unfortunately, being outside those eligibility categories does not change the fact that I now need help remaining housed. Why I Am Asking for Help Now My October 1 rent is approximately $2,521. Because my lease ends October 22, I also expect to receive a final rental statement for charges through the end of my lease. After October 22, I will need to relocate into a modest studio or one-bedroom apartment here in Arizona. My original plan was to move to Colorado Springs with my daughter, but without employment, qualifying for housing there is not realistic right now. My immediate priority is finding safe, affordable housing in Arizona while I continue searching for work. I also have my 10-year-old Shih Tzu, Evee, who has been by my side for many years and must remain with me wherever I live. How the $15,000 Will Help I am starting this fundraiser with a goal of $15,000. The funds would serve as a temporary financial bridge and help cover: My remaining October housing obligations through October 22 Movers and relocation expenses A security deposit and move-in costs for a modest studio or one-bedroom apartment Up to three months of rent while I continue pursuing temporary and full-time employment The goal is not long-term financial support. It is enough stability to move safely, remain housed, and continue searching for work without the immediate threat of losing housing. I Am Still Trying I am not asking for help because I have stopped trying. I am asking because I have exhausted the resources that previously allowed me to take care of myself while I searched for work. I have used my savings. I have used credit. I have accepted help from family and friends. I have pursued churches, community organizations, rental assistance, recruiters, professional contacts, temporary work, junior positions, customer service roles, and opportunities outside my industry. I am still trying. After working since I was 16, I never imagined I would reach this point without a job, financially depleted, and uncertain about where I will live after my lease ends. But this is where I am today, and I have reached the point where I need to ask for help. I am sincerely and humbly asking for assistance creating a temporary financial bridge so that Evee and I can remain safely housed while I continue working toward employment and financial independence again. Any contribution would help. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for considering helping Evee and me through this difficult transition. With gratitude, Tasha