I'm raising money for basic needs so I can eat without pain.

Why I'm using HandUp for my basic needs.

I have some infections in my teeth and the dentist wants to pull all of my teeth. I've been unable to chew foods due to the pain, so I'm hoping to purchase a Nutribullet. I would love to make smoothies or vegetable juice so I can get my nutrients that way.

About me.

I am from El Salvador. My country was in a violent Civil War. I fled the war, and fortunately I am here. I've lived in San Francisco for 30 years. I used to work in restaurants and hotels. I also painted houses. I've been playing guitar since I was little. Currently play guitar at Taquerias in the Mission. However, my guitar was recently stolen and so I am in need of getting another one.

My backstory.

In the early 1990s, I was divorced. We were renting an apartment, but after we split, I could not afford to live there. I was working and rented rooms from house to house. Then, a few years ago I lost my job and was forced to live in the streets of San Francisco. It was awful. It is hard to live in the streets. After 2 years of living in the streets, I got tired of it and started living in the shelters. MSC South helped to get into an SRO, which I've been living in for 7 years.

My goals, moving forward.

I am trying to save some money and want to get my own apartment some day. Right now I share the bathroom with everyone. There is no kitchen to cook. I have a small fridge where I can keep things cold - like fruit and juice. I'd love to have a place with my own space and especially a place to cook. I love to cook, especially Latin food.

Other things I'd like to share about myself.

I love to play Spanish music on my guitar. I am hoping to learn as much as I can about guitar through the internet.