A Place to Park: Our Housing Journey

On March 5th, 2024, my daughter and I faced a sudden upheaval: we were evicted from our home of the previous 10 months—a rented parking spot at an RV park—without formal notice, and with just 36 hours to relocate. Our account was up to date there was no warning that this was going to happen. This unexpected move shattered our stability, disrupted my business, and thrust us into financial turmoil due to unplanned expenses.

The situation is exacerbated by the fact that the German government took away my heavy vehicle license because of my age, and it is taking forever, and a massive expense of €3800, to get it back.

I'm reaching out for support to navigate this difficult period as we search for a semblance of stability. For those interested in the depth of our journey, I’ve shared our story in a SubStack article, A Bus A Battle and Berlin My Ongoing Struggle

Our story began in 2017 when I relocated to Europe for work, bringing my then 5-year-old daughter with me. Living in our tour bus allowed us to traverse Germany as my job demanded, until we settled in Berlin in 2018 for what I thought would be a long-term position. However, the reality of Berlin's housing crisis quickly hit us: securing an apartment was nearly impossible. We found temporary solace in a Wagon village for two years. But in 2020, as the pandemic raged on, we were displaced to make room for others, marking the start of our nomadic life from one parking lot to another.

The situation worsened when the school where I worked closed permanently in the aftermath of the pandemic, leaving me without a job and exacerbating our housing woes. We managed to find temporary refuge at a theatrical rehearsal facility until April 2023, but were forced to leave—once again without official eviction notice.

Our bus has been more than a vehicle; it’s been our home for 7 years and a critical part of my ability to earn a living inside the post pandemic economy. The constant search for a permanent place to park our bus and rebuild our lives has been challenging. The harsh economic climate, coupled with soaring housing costs and a lack of political action on housing issues, have left us in a dire situation. Recently evicted from an RV park in central Berlin, we find ourselves with no place to call home.

This campaign seeks funds to address several critical needs as we strive for stability:

Legal Consultation: To challenge the legality of our 3 past evictions without proper notice and seek compensation for our losses.

Studio and Secure Vehicle Storage: Costs to safeguard our belongings and our bus, respectively.

Heavy Vehicle Licensing Course: To enhance employability and ensure I can legally operate our home on the roads.

Temporary Accommodation and Deposits: Providing immediate, stable living conditions for my daughter to continue her education.

Transportation Costs: Essential for moving and securing our belongings and bus.

A Reliable Communications Device: To stay connected with opportunities and support networks.

Unforeseen Expenses: Related to displacement, including potential temporary housing and other emergencies.

Your support is not just a donation; it's a lifeline during our most challenging times, offering us hope and a means to fight for a stable future. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps secure a safe and stable environment for my daughter and me. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and kindness.

Thank you for considering our story and for any support you can provide.