Build real stability after prison

Make sure you check out Jery's updates to this fundraiser in the "Updates" section of this GFM!

07/18/2024

Well, Jery has received the bill for his urgent sinus surgery and owes more than $1k (see his updates). He's working with the hospital to get the amount reduced but every penny in this budget is already accounted for. He can't do a new bill.

May 16, 2024

Today is Jery's first sinus surgery! While the surgery itself ended up being covered, he needs money for rides to and from various appointments and medication. He is delaying skin cancer removal until his sinus costs are covered because it will entail the same costs.

NEW NEED: IMMEDIATE SURGERY 01/31/2024

While in prison, Jery suffered brutal assault that left shards of sinus bone embedded in his sinuses. These bone shards are chronically infected, leading to his current need for urgent surgery. 18 months ago, he was told by an ENT Specialists he needed the surgery before the infection ate a hole from his sinuses to his ears in the area that contains the nerves that allows him to continue to have the little hearing that remains. With newly being released from prison with no money for the surgery he opted for antibiotics that had little effect.

Yesterday, Jery was able to access a good audiologist for the first time in a long time. She informed him that he needs immediate surgery to save what remains of his hearing, which has drastically worsened since his release from prison. The infection in his sinuses has spread and is attacking the nerves of his hearing.

Jery has basic Arkansas Medicaid, and we assume the cost of the operation will be astronomical. Jery is deeply depressed by this new financial burden. He needs any help you are able to give as he once again attempts to heal from this assault.

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About this fundraiser

I'm fundraising for Jery, who needs help gaining security by putting his electricity in his name, storing his belongings, and getting his license back. Planning beyond this emergency, we ask for support establishing secure housing.

About Jery

Jery is a formerly incarcerated Hard of Hearing queer elder and needs help until his SSI is approved. He's an artist, amazing parent to a kitten, Puss, a giving friend, and really struggling. In 2012, Jery was desperate and in poverty and robbed a bank. He lost almost 11 years of his life to incarceration, and has been picking up the pieces since being released from a Texas Halfway House earlier this year.

About expenses

After being released from prison earlier this year, Jery has worked hard to start building a home, but has never had running water and his landlord is now threatening to cut his electricity because of a disagreement. This is illegal, but Jery cannot afford to be without a roof, because he will go back to prison. You can protect him by helping put the electricity bill he has been paying in his name, establishing proof of residency.

In order to get the bill in his name, Jery needs $75 immediately, and $240 ASAP.

To protect himself if his abusive landlord tries to remove his belongings, Jery also wants to rent a small storage unit for his things. Since being released, Jery had had to buy every single thing that makes a building without utilities a home. Storing everything he owns will cost at least $300 for the first quarter.

Additionally, Jery needs $150 to get his license reinstated and $80 for drivers' ed classes. This will allow him to extend the distance he can move from the city and still make it to medical and parole appointments.

Finally, Jery dropped $150 when going to pay a bill and he cannot replace it.

Altogether, $1,000 will support Jery's immediate stability. As part of his release, Jery must have a place to live. If he ends up homeless, he will go to prison.

Planning for tomorrow

Jery is dealing with serious untreated, unmedicated depression, PTSD, anxiety, high blood pressure, and seizures. All of these conditions are made worse by unstable living conditions.

Jery's goal of $5,000 will help him move into a safer place and cover his first few months' rent. There are some things only money can solve, and fortunately this is one of them. If Jery's life surroundings get more stable, he will finally be able to work on other parts of his life, not fighting to survive.