
Help Prevent Eviction for a Survivor's Healing
Donation protected
It's really difficult to type this out because I feel ashamed of needing to ask for help. It feels like my life has been spiraling since attempting to recover from the domestic violence I experienced last year. Fortunately, that relationship has ended. However, it left me with panic attacks and anxiety to the point that it affected my speech. I don't even know how to describe how or why it affected my speech. I sought out help and have been faithfully going to doctor's appointments in an attempt to heal. I meet with an individual therapist and attend group every week now, and it has been helping.
I was feeling stronger and earlier this year, I attempted to look for employment, going into places inquiring and applying online. I didn't have any success.
Then on May 21st, I was hit by a car while I was attempting to cross a crosswalk with the right of way. The vehicle made a right turn into me, leaving me in the trauma center for 3 days due to bleeding on my brain. This is the second time in three years I have been hit by a car that caused brain bleeding. I have been struggling to get an appointment with a neurologist since then because I experience dizziness every day. I am faithfully attending appointments with a physical therapist, and it seems like I meet with a doctor every day. It hasn't left much time to look for employment, but I've still been trying here and there.
Due to my inability to work, I am now facing homelessness due to rental arrears. I have called legal aid hotlines, gotten applications for low-income housing, and today I was on the line with 311 (on hold for over an hour) with a nice worker who told me there's no help with the arrears unless I have an income. That's why I'm turning here as a last resort. I need help to prevent eviction so I actually have time to find a new home.
I applied for disability already, was denied, and am in the process of an appeal, but it is a lengthy process that is still not guaranteed. I'm trying my best to seek out the resources I need to heal, so I can participate in the workforce again. I was looking forward to applying for a PhD this fall, but right now all of my focus has to be on simply surviving and healing. I hope it is clear I'm trying even as I continue failing.
I truly hate to ask for help, but if I'm evicted, I will lose all of the healthcare resources that have been helping me heal, otherwise face homelessness. I don't want this for Mango or myself. I want to get better and be the vibrant contributor I used to be. I'm really scared I won't be again.
Organizer
Mallory Parker
Organizer
Chicago, IL