Dear Friends, Kind Strangers, and Supporters,

My name is Erin, and I’m reaching out during one of the hardest times in my life. A few months ago, I lost my job due to a difficult set of circumstances, and I’ve been struggling ever since. I’m nearly three months behind on rent, down to my last $100, and trying to find a way to stay afloat while actively looking for work, even in the face of numerous challenges.

I’m originally from upstate New York, but I’ve been living in middle Georgia for the past couple of years. I don’t know many people here aside from connections through my previous job and the two individuals I rent a pool house from. My landlord helped me get a job at a retail store where we both worked, but I lost the job due to communication issues and schedule changes that I wasn’t informed of in time. Without transportation of my own, working at that location was manageable because it was close by, but losing the job has made everything significantly harder.

Despite the circumstances, I am actively trying to look for work. However, finding something has been extremely difficult, especially as I navigate life with severe mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, OCD, and schizophrenia. These conditions often make even the process of searching for and maintaining a job feel overwhelming.

I’ve applied for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), but that process takes months, and I’m not sure when I’ll receive any assistance. In the meantime, I’m just trying to survive day to day while keeping a roof over my head.

I also have a little Chihuahua named Penny, who is my emotional support and constant source of comfort. I’ve made sure to stock up on enough food for her to last because I couldn’t let her suffer due to my current struggles.

I’m humbly asking for help to cover:

My overdue rent for the past three months

Basic necessities like food and transportation so I can continue job hunting

Support to help me get through until SSDI or another solution comes through

Anything you can give—no matter the amount—would help more than I can express. If you’re unable to donate, sharing my story with others who might be able to help would mean the world to me.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for any support you can offer. Your kindness and generosity give me hope in this incredibly challenging time.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Erin & Penny