Let me start out by saying that I am very much aware of how much help I've already received from this community, and that I realize how much help you've all given to so many others struggling, and to the President's and Democrats' re-election campaigns. So I know how tight things are. I appreciate that fact and take nothing for granted. This community has helped keep a roof over my head, and helped me keep hope alive. I'm very grateful for all the assistance I've received, but wanted to let you know that I'm getting back on my feet and need a bit more assistance to help me get there.
Unfortunately, since I last reached out to this wonderful community for financial help, I still have not found a job. I made the regrettable error of moving to Rochester NY where the unemployment rate is 11.3% in the city, and my desperate ongoing attempts to find work since I moved here in September have been unsuccessful. There are a lot of people here who are unemployed and on public assistance, and I've just joined the ranks.
I came here from Massachusetts, because my goddaughter's mother offered to let me stay for a while, rent-free. That while is coming to an end (things are tight and my being here is more of an inconvenience for them. I'm sleeping on the lower bunk of my goddaughter's bed in her tiny room and we're all just stepping over each other at this point, and the husband is growing increasingly frustrated). The public assistance I applied for should be coming through next week, and then I'll be able to find a place. It's not much - just $426 a month, and I'll only be able to afford a room.
Anyway, to the point of this diary. After I was evicted from my home in Astoria back in April, I moved all my things into a storage facility not far from where I used to live: Extra Space Storage in Long Island City. They are going to auction off my things because I have not paid the rent in two months (this month's is coming due on the 14). I have a week to come up with the all three months. All my things are there. What's remaining of my furniture and household items after downsizing three times since leaving Florida, personal photos and documents, clothes, etc. What I'd like to do is pay off the arrears and next month's rent, then rent a uhaul and move my things up here to Rochester and into my new place once I get my public assistance. I will then get a chance to go through, keep my personal things and sell off whatever else I can get rid of.
Please help me keep what remains of my worldly possessions. The thought of having complete strangers rummage through my things makes me sick. You know, at this point, I feel like Job. I've lost everything. My marriage, my house, my job, my health, My Weimaraner, Tucker - faithful companion and best friend for nine years - is in foster care in Fredericksburg... I have nothing left except these few things I've spent my life acquiring and that mean a lot to me. I am desperate not to lose them as well.
I have a goal of $1,200. Anything you can give will help. Every mikkle mek a muckle, as they say where I'm from. If you can help, my paypal address is dionne_jacques@yahoo.com. Please kosmail me if you'd prefer to make your contribution by some other means.
Thank you and bless you for all the support and help. This community has been my lifeline, and I'm so thankful.
Also, please check out my diary on my GOTV efforts in Ohio for President Obama: http://www.dailykos.com/...
5:05 PM PT: There is nothing quite like the ability of this community to come together and help people like me. Thank you so much. As of 8:00 EST, you have all donated $965 of my $1,200 goal. God bless you all. I cannot thank you enough.
6:28 PM PT: We're there!! Pledges and paypal donations come to a total of $1,256.95! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Thank you for the donations. Thank you for the well wishes. Thank you for the tips and recs. Everyone was just amazing.
ShoshannaD, 4freedom - you ladies are my angels. Hugs to you both.
Cany, you save lives. Literally. Bless you.
Thank you for all the donations. I know everyone gave as they could and I'm appreciative of every donation - big and small. It all added up to exactly what I need to keep my things from being auctioned off.
My best wishes to everyone. Have a great weekend!
6:30 PM PT: Goal reached! $1,256.95 raised! Thanks to everyone who chipped in!
Bless you! Bless you! Bless you!