I'm raising money for utilities so I can stay stable after a medical event that significantly affected my speech.

Why I'm using HandUp for utilities.

I am using HandUp while working with supportive services to continue to build on my stability and success.

About me.

I am originally from Los Angeles California, and I moved to Michigan to be closer to my children. In late 2019, I had a series of strokes which affected the part of my brain that aids in mobility and communication. I am working with a speech pathologist to support my path forward and have been utilizing software developed specifically for this purpose on my phone to help with speech. If you'd like to learn more about Aphasia this is a really helpful video: https://www.aphasia.org/challenge/ . Before my strokes, I did a lot of different things, but one I am most proud of is having a successful Youtube channel with around 30K subscribers.

My backstory.

I became homeless after being discharged from the hospital. I lost my job and had to work really hard to get connected to supports who could understand what I was going through. I went back to California and experienced literal homelessness trying to get the support I needed in recovery. After moving back to Michigan, I was able to get into a emergency shelter program that works specifically with individuals with high medical needs. Eventually I got assistance to move into housing while I apply for short term disability income. That being said, my real goal is to get back to work and I'm getting connected to a program that can help me find a job that's a good fit.

My goals, moving forward.

My ultimate goal is to stabilize my income and housing, and afterwards I want to save up to move to Houston Texas where they have an amazing program that assists individuals with Aphasia. I wouldn't mind the warm weather either!