Help Marcela Stay in Her Home
$4,080 raised
82% complete
Marcela Simmons is my neighbor and one of Fremont's most warmly spirited people. At 61 years old, she is a proud trans woman, a US Navy veteran, a talented photographer, and a beloved local karaoke host. Marcela works part-time at Bill Speidel's Underground Tour, charming visitors with her wit and warmth. She lives with multiple sclerosis (MS), heart disease, and dyslexia—conditions that have shaped her life but never defined her spirit. She loves dogs and cats, makes everyone around her laugh, and has spent 45 years paying into Social Security—the very safety net that's now failing her. A Government Error Is Costing Her Everything Social Security has wrongfully suspended Marcela's disability benefits, claiming she earned too much money in August 2025. This is incorrect. Marcela works only 12.5 hours per week — well within the limits for disability recipients. The consequences of this error are cascading and immediate. Without her disability income — benefits she earned over 45 years of work and military service — Marcela cannot pay rent. And because Medicare eligibility for people under 65 is tied to receiving disability benefits, she has also lost her health insurance. Let that sink in: a 61-year-old woman with MS and heart disease is now uninsured — not because she did anything wrong, but because of a government paperwork error. Despite her resilience and determination, her fixed income is not enough to cover her rent while she waits for her Social Security appeal to be processed. The threat of eviction is very real, and for someone managing MS and heart disease, losing her home would be devastating and dangerous. This fundraiser is to help Marcela stay in her home and maintain stability during this challenging time. Every dollar raised will go directly to her rent, providing her with the security she needs to focus on her health and well-being. Any support you can offer will make a meaningful difference in Marcela's life. Please consider donating or sharing this campaign to help keep Marcela safe, housed, and hopeful.