I'm raising money for basic needs so I can celebrate my son's college graduation in May 2018, visit my brother recovering from a stroke and his family, spend some time in my hometown, and also visit some seminaries as I am working to return to college to study theology to prepare to be a chaplain.

Why I'm using HandUp for my basic needs.

I'm fundraising to attend my son's graduation from Swarthmore College near Philadelphia in May 2018. My younger brother, Rick, had a "mini stroke" and I would like to visit him and his family in Southern Virginia. I would like to visit my friends and relatives in my hometown of Detroit. I would also like to visit some seminary schools where I could study theology. The best way for me to accomplish this is by purchasing an Amtrak railpass. I am looking for part-time employment to supplement my disability income. Your donations will help me purchase the Amtrak railpass as well as inexpensive accommodations, such as hostels, and food while I'm traveling.

** NOTE TO DONORS: We value your donations, and respect your intention to support people in need with their specific fundraising goals. On occasion, the immediate needs or an emergency may arise, and a Participant might require support in another way for safety, health, housing, or employment. As such, your donation may be used for an immediate basic need not mentioned in the above goal, such as groceries, health costs, or housing support. Any changes will always be approved in advance by PHC Staff. We will provide up to date information on how these funds are being used through an update on HandUp. By making a donation to this campaign, you are confirming your approval of this potential change. If you have any questions, or do not wish that your donation be used for any alternative goals, please contact PHC staff directly.

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About me.

I am a native from Detroit, Michigan. I came to the Bay Area in August of 1991 on a scholarship to a conference in Berkeley. I stayed for a few months, then decided to move here permanently. I have worked in a library in high school in periodicals, and then for the city of Detroit in a book mobile for a while after. I gave up my library job because of the low pay, and started working for the Michigan Bar Association in the law library. I also worked for seven years in the Department of Social Services for the state of Michigan. I was on medical leave and lost my job after I was in the hospital for a while. I went to college at University of Michigan Ann Arbor, where I worked as a dishwasher for a while. I have also worked in the postal service.

My backstory.

I went on medical leave of my job in 1985. I was transferred out-of-state to a different hospital in Baltimore, and I was separated from my job too long on medical leave and my job position was released to a new worker in 1986. I was on disability for two years, and when it ran out I was no longer able to afford my apartment at the time in Baltimore. I returned to Detroit, and when I got my life back together I came to Berkeley for a conference on mental health. I had several opportunities in the Bay Area so I decided to stay. Also, there was much more support out here for unemployed disabled individuals like myself. I was able to establish permanent residency, and got in touch with a friend who is a poet and introduced me to writing opportunities. I was the first homeless student to graduate from the peer counseling training program through the Independent Living Resource Center. My son was born in 1996. I have a very small apartment of 500 square feet now, but previously my son and I were in a SRO for five years which burned my life savings and was beyond what I could afford on my monthly income. We always struggled with poverty and affordable housing issues here in the city, living off of a microwave and without the comforts of items like a bathtub for five years, but we made it work. Another challenge of mine was my depression. I sought medical treatment and treatments which were not always the best solutions, but I was able to come through my depression through God and support from my community and faith which helped me to realize the sources of my depression and overcome these deeply emotional traumas.

My goals, moving forward.

I felt like I had a lot of deliverance from my depression which has plagued me since I was nineteen years old. I had two cataract surgeries in 2015 and now I have full restoration of my eyesight. I have had physical therapy to restore my normal gait and increase my bone density, since I have been in a wheelchair due to medical issues for a long time now. I am hoping to look for a part time job in the upcoming year, and would like to go back to school to study theology, counseling and creative writing maybe sometime in 2018. Specifically, I would like to study biblical counseling and family trauma psychology. I have taken two courses for a Mental Health Peer Specialist Support Certificate at City College.

I have watched my son grow up and start college at Swarthmore College, where he was able to get a full ride scholarship. I would like to attend my son's graduation from Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania to see how he is doing. I am very proud of Mateo and all of his accomplishments, and being able to see him in university would be really great.