Help V Catch Up On Rent

Hi! I'm V.

In June of this year, my roommates and I were informed that, beginning in 2024, our landlord will be increasing our rent by $600 a month. Shortly before this information came to light, Diversity Richmond laid me off with no notice and no severance. When we told our landlord we would not be staying due to the rent hike, he informed me I have been behind on my rent during various months for years - information he withheld until we let him know we wouldn't be renewing the lease.

At the time of writing this post, I have applied for 36 jobs, and continue to apply for more jobs than is required by the Virginia Employment Commission each week. I have updated my resume, written cover letters, picked up odd jobs when they're available and am actively seeking gainful employment. Despite these efforts, I am still struggling financially, because every dollar I receive from the Employment Commission is being taken by our landlord for backrent + current rent. In addition, I still have regular living expenses (which are getting more expensive with inflation) and car repairs that are needed to make my vehicle safe and legal to drive. This is where you come in.

If 240 people see this and donate just $10, I'll have this backrent paid off. With that out of the way, I can survive on the meager budget offered by the VEC and put away small amounts each week to save up for other expenses while I look for a job. If I am unable to meet this goal and unable to find a job that covers the extra expenses, I could be without a car and without a home in less than six months.

While I was with Diversity Richmond as an Event Coordinator, I was able to help my fellow LGBTQIA+ and communities of color by coordinating events that brought everyone together. Although I've left Diversity behind, I intend to continue helping my community in any way I can, no matter where I'm at. Your invaluable assistance will help me do just that.

Thank you for reading, sharing, and donating what you can. Every dollar helps. It's times like these that remind me how much community matters and how grateful I am to be one of many.