I'm raising money for food support and household needs so I can focus on my needs**.

Why I'm using HandUp for food support and household needs.

Dear ladies and gentlemen: I need your help and support out of poverty. I am fundraising for support so I can go to Walgreens and different stores to buy food and products to help keep my home clean and make food in the kitchen. Most of my retirement and Social Security annual income goes to rent. The City of San Francisco and my SRO say 30% of my income should go to rent but it's a lie. 90% of my income is going to rent and I am struggling to make ends meet and to avoid eviction. Every once in a while I go hungry but I do the best I can to stay positive. I babysit my grandkids during the week and want to make sure I have food on the table for myself and my grandkids. Any support you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. - James

** 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.

We greatly appreciate your support to our Participants!

My backstory.

In 1999, I got laid off from my job and then I lost my apartment. I moved from Berkeley to San Francisco. I had to walk around to look for resources in the city. I found some resources and was able to transition to living in the city. I went to a shelter program for the homeless and they connected me with a men's shelter. Now I'm on a waitlist for a shelter bed; sometimes my name will be called and sometimes it's not. If my name is not called, they give me a mat to sleep on the floor.

After 30 days of being in San Francisco, I was able to get connected with General Assistance and the PAES program, which helps me learn how to get a job during weekly classes. Two other days during the week, I am a street sweeper through that program.