I'm raising money for basic needs so I can live a healthy lifestyle on the streets of San Francisco.

Why I'm using HandUp for my basic needs.

I am a honorably-discharged veteran who moved here to go to electronic music production school four years ago. It was very intense for me, so I dropped out of classes. Shortly after, the VA disability benefits were and are still being garnished from me to pay back tuition. As a result, I didn't have enough to pay my rent so I lost my housing.

I don't get EBT benefits because they calculate the initial VA benefits before garnishment. This makes affording basic needs like food, clothing and my art supplies very challenging. Any support you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

I am hoping to move forward with my education and to regain housing. I am a creative artist who loves to make music, draw, paint and make sculptures.

About me.

I am from Northern California. I grew up in the Napa area. I was in the Navy for 13.5 years and joined after 9/11. I served from 2001 to 2014 when I was honorably discharged. I moved to San Francisco in 2015 to complete schooling in music production. I was living in my car and worked with the VA to obtain housing.

I had about 10 classes at a time, and it was really challenging to keep up. I was also having issues with technology equipment issues that were discouraging. I dropped out after a short amount of time.

My backstory.

I was living in an SRO and when I dropped out of classes, the VA started to garnish my wages. There were some months, where I was receiving $0 in disability benefits, so I couldn't afford my rent. I lost my housing shortly after.

My goals, moving forward.

I am really looking forward to getting on my feet again, getting housing, get a vehicle and get my life back together. Getting a place is the most important for me and I am hoping to start rebuilding my life and stop living out of my bag.

Other things I'd like to share about myself.

I like dancing a lot - going to raves, techno and DJ'ing. Art is an important way that I express myself and release my emotions from my life experiences. I look forward to learning more mediums and techniques to grow.