Help Julian Stay Housed After Injury Setback

UPDATE- The love and support I’ve received in less than 48 hours is ASTOUNDING! All I have in my heart is gratitude! To those who have already donated, I cannot say thank you enough!! To those who have expressed that they want to help after the Christmas holiday, I will leave this campaign live until January 1, 2025. With that said, and no expectations, I will change the goal 1 final time to the amount that will allow me to walk into the new year without any pressure from 2024. Whether the latest goal is reached or not, my situation is saved by those who’ve already shared their love, support and appreciation for my journey as a Philadelphia dance educator and I cannot thank you enough. Blessings on blessings to you all!

UPDATE- I am overjoyed by the amount of support the Philly community, dance community, family and friends, students, colleagues and others have extended to me in such a short amount of time. After consulting with close friends and colleagues, l've updated the goal from $1980 to $2500 to allow for folks who still have it in their hearts to give and support my overflow. If l've ever needed a reason to believe that I am loved and appreciated, the quick turnaround of this situation is the proof I needed. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you, thank you,

thank you!!

Hi, my name is Julian, and I’m reaching out with a heavy heart to ask for your help. Due to unexpected financial challenges, I am at risk of being evicted from my home. I’ve done everything I can to manage on my own, but now I need to lean on the kindness of my community to stay housed and regain stability.

As a dance educator in Philadelphia, I’ve built my career teaching and inspiring others through movement. I used to teach nine adult classes weekly in Center City at Urban Movement Arts and Range of Motion Philly, and I also instruct academic courses like Intro to African Diaspora Traditions, Umfundalai I, and Umfundalai II at Temple University. Beyond that, I work with youth in programs like Let’s Dance and High School Choreographic Mentorship in association with The Philadelphia Ballet.

Last year, I sustained an ankle injury but pushed through my demanding teaching schedule because I needed the income. Without adequate rest to heal, I reached my physical limits with every class. Eventually, I had to step back from my adult classes to focus on recovery. Though I’ve since healed physically, the financial impact has been far more challenging to overcome.

My academic contracts only pay at the end of the month, and without the supplemental income from my studio classes, I fell behind on rent and bills. Despite working diligently to catch up, I am still one month behind, and now, with my lease ending in January, I am facing eviction if I cannot pay my balance by January 5th.

I am asking for $1,980 to cover:

Rent - 1500

Late Fees - 480

This amount will bring me current and give me the chance to finish my lease while continuing to rebuild my finances. All other bills and expenses are my responsibility, and I am committed to handling them on my own.

Your support would mean the world to me and allow me to continue my work as a dance educator, bringing the joy and purpose of movement to both adults and young dancers. If I cannot raise these funds, I will be forced to close the Philadelphia chapter of my life.

Every donation, no matter how small, brings me closer to staying in my home and continuing to inspire through dance. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this campaign with others would be an incredible help.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read my story and for any support you can provide.