I'm raising money for bicycle, lock & helmet so I can travel to school**.

Why I'm using HandUp for bicycle, lock & helmet.

I'd like to fundraise for a bicycle so I can travel to school and to the shelter. This will be a safer form of transportation for me and I won't have to worry about the bus fare.

** 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 am a 55-year old semi-retired Affirmative Action Specialist that's been out of work for several years on a work-related injury. Being able to recover, you have to have a strategy, plan and you have to have the resources. I would like to move forward with employment-related activities and get certified but right now, I am trying to keep afloat.

My backstory.

In October 2016, I received an over payment notice from SSDI. I immediately sought council with a pro-bono agency that did not file paperwork on time. Soon after, I was evicted and all of my belongings were thrown out on the street and I had a mental breakdown where I ended up in a psychiatric center. I was given strong sedative medicine. I was connected then to Baker Place and they were so helpful. I have also been a victim of identity theft, which has been another challenge of mine.

My goals, moving forward.

I am really passionate about helping elders who have faced economic abuse and hardship. As a domestic violence survivor, I know the hardships that come with abuse and would really like to help financially exploited elders in the future. I would also love to open a 24-hour warm center where people can come and feel safe and give them shelter during the night where they are not judged and are welcomed. Homelessness is so cruel and unnecessary so if I could team up with others to make this happen, it would be so good for our communities to create this warm center.

Other things I'd like to share about myself.

What makes me happy is to become part of the solution and help pave the way, make the sacrifices and have the tenacity to say that change is coming even if I have to face the impossible! There is no going back and there is nowhere else for me to go but forward! I hope to get well, get back into the game and give back! My passions can carry me to the light that my future holds!