Help a Struggling Sociology Doctoral Student

Hello,

My name is Rita Jacobs. I am a rising third year sociology doctoral student at Howard University. I have a balance on my student account and cannot access the federal loans I took out in September for living costs.

During most of the Fall 2023 semester, I had a part-time serving job that covered basic costs since I did not receive my first stipend payment for the Fall 2023 semester until October 31st. Unfortunately, at the end of December, I lost my part-time hospitality job.

Slowly, my savings dwindled and I began to live off of credit cards. I was putting groceries on my credit card before I was approved for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). I paid for books, gas, and personal items with my credit cards. Now, two of them are maxed out. Since I exhausted all of my savings in January 2024, I've been in a constant state of anxiety over how I would afford to live in Washington, DC with no job.

I pride myself on being a hard worker and "responsible," but I've had to lean on my father to help me with my rent since January. February through May, he paid all of my rent excluding utilities. After around 70 job applications, I secured part-time employment on April 5th. At the end of April, I learned that my Dad was putting off bills to help me.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, my Dad can no longer afford to help me with my rent. I owe the my apartment complex May's rent and utility payments from previous months. As of May 13th, I owe $2977.11. Almost $3,000. On May 11th, I received a letter inquiring about settling the balance, a temporary payment plan, or legal action and eviction.

I am not confident that I will be able to afford to my apartment complex before they begin the eviction process.

If you feel it in your heart to donate via GoFundMe or another way, I'd greatly appreciate it. PayPal: ask; Venmo: @Rita-Jacobs; & CashApp: $rita9.

<3 Rita