I'm raising money for back rent so I can hold onto my rent-controlled housing**.

Why I'm using HandUp for back rent.

I recently suffered the devastating loss of a close friend to suicide a couple months ago. His name was Jaxon Devereaux. He'd just turned 25 this year. This loss led me to miss a lot of work immediately following his death because it was an intense emotional, spiritual, and mental blow for me; because I'd once been haunted by suicidal thoughts when I was younger. Even now, I still lose sleep, either because of wondering what I need to change about my life and how I treat others to properly honor him, or because I wake up out of sleep because I dream of him. I've returned to work successfully, but haven't been pulling in enough income fast enough to catch up on the back rent and PG&E quickly enough while staying on top of my current rent. The landlords are threatening to begin the eviction process. This is why I'm asking, hoping, and praying for your kindness and generosity.

** 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!

About me.

I was originally born and raised in Arkansas, but moved to San Francisco seeking culinary education and a more creative, liberal, and accepting culture and environment. I've now lived in San Francisco for the past nine years of my life.

My backstory.

I unexpectedly lost a close friend to suicide recently this year. And although I was able to pay September's rent when he passed, the time off needed for bereavement and other unexplained shortages with my tips/gratuities at work since I returned has caused me to fall behind. In addition to this hardship, I was owed unpaid wages by a corrupt former employer in October who insisted on continuing to refuse to pay them... to the extent of lying under oath to the SF Labor Commissioner, which had forced me to appeal in order to continue to try and get the wages. Without the fallback cushion or foundation of family, this type of unexpected loss of income causes much greater and rapid difficulties for me; I've been estranged from family for about eight years now, which leaves me with a dire lack of financial support to stay afloat in these sort of situations.

My goals, moving forward.

I'm certain that I will be independent enough to handle rent without assistance again soon, as I am now working full time again as a bartender. I've also begun picking up interim assignments with a temp agency, but my property managers won't accept partial payments and are threatening eviction.

Other things I'd like to share about myself.

I find that I'm most content and happy when dedicating some of my efforts and time and thought to helping others in some way. This is what drove me to study culinary arts and hospitality at City College of San Francisco; this is what drove me to volunteer for the SF LGBT Center when I found myself homeless in 2012. Hospitality is my heart... I believe providing a hot meal and good drink for someone brings peace, happiness, and content... maybe it has something to do with being raised in the South. Whenever I get back on my feet, nice and stable, I plan to finish my studies in psychology as well.