I'm raising money for basic needs so I can get stabilize with housing and better my life.

Why I'm using HandUp for my basic needs.

I am in need of housing, clothing and food.

About me.

I am originally from Detroit. I have lived in San Francisco for over 20 years. Previously I've worked for YMCA as a janitor and as prep cook at Pioneer Chicken which I went to a culinary school through the shelter I was in, I loved it and am happy to say that I completed the program while homeless. I was sleeping on Bart and couch surfing with friends but I was determined to complete the program. I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and was having problems while I was staying in the shelter. As I learned how to cook I also learned more about nutrition and decided to educate myself on it.. I started reading the ingredients and watching what I ate and I'm happy to say that I have not had to take high blood pressure medicine for about 5 months now. I lowered my blood pressure by giving up bread, fried foods and processed sugars.

I would like to fundraise for basic needs, the winter months are approaching and I am in need of winter clothing, hoodies, a warm coat, warm boots etc. I also would like to fundraise for food, without shelter it's hard to get a decent meal.

My backstory.

I got on drugs and alcohol 15 years ago, since then I've been staying in hotel rooms and have not a solid place to live. I am homeless because housing is not affordable in San Francisco. I've put my name on several waitlists to no avail. Right now my friend is letting me crash at his place until I can figure out what the next steps are to getting housing.

In the meantime I have been using my support system to keep me going by attending N/A and AA meetings.

My goals, moving forward.

I am on SSI but that is not enough to live on in the city of San Francisco. I currently have a part time job doing in home care and am applying to affordable housing sites but in the meantime, my dream is to educate the homeless population on nutrition while being homeless, we are not educated enough or at al on nutrition, especially living on the streets where everything is scarce. I would like to start a campaign to educate individuals on maintaining a healthy lifestyle on a next to nothing budget.

Other things I'd like to share about myself.

I get spiritual healing from the Lord, I was in a bad place and turned to God and he brought me through my addiction. My proudest moment is when I fully got off drugs and took my life back. Although I'm homeless I'm at my healthiest and strongest I've been in over 20 years and piece of mind so I can think clearly.