Support Walasia Shabazz's Safe Housing

Greetings. I am Walasia "MJ" Shabazz, a terminally ill individual who is disabled and traveling outside of her home state.

In November 2023 I moved to Mesquite Texas hoping for lower rents and a better quality of life no longer affordable anywhere in California.

For nearly one year, I paid $1000/month to rent a room from an unsavory individual. I was never given keys to get in/out of the home. The room was unpainted, with no window screens, no way to hang clothing in the closet. I was never allowed to use the kitchen - in 10 months I only opened the fridge 3 times to get water/fruit etc.

Revolving tenants included a homeless man with whom I had to share a restroom, and when he left a sex worker and her pimp took over that room - I had to share a restroom with them and another unknown male.

I could not move or leave with no help, and was dealing with my medical issues as best I could. I had 2 studio setups from California so I could not risk trying to move with no help.

In July I began to walk again. My folks came in to Mesquite to help me pack the studios and my few belongings - I was able to leave in one day and have not looked back. I've had medical appointments and diagnostics scheduled in Fort Worth, Texas set up for over 6 months and the time is NOW.

Some diagnostics and a small procedure require an overnight stay or aftercare at a nearby hotel. I'm now in Richardson, TX which is close enough to the facilities that I can remain here, get my care, and rest up. The more often I move the more money I spend on ubers, lyfts, and medical transportation.

I am **exhausted** and was just in hospital for an ear/nose/throat infection and bronchitis. These are not symptoms of my terminal illness but they are very dangerous for me as I have a compromised immune system. I need to rest, relax and not move again until my house is ready on November 1, 2024. I am renting a home near Austin, Texas from a reliable friend of the family and have planned this for many months.

I am insured. I am employed from home and my work travels with me. This GoFundMe marks the first time I've ever asked for help paying for my housing or lodging. I always pay my rent, bills, food, as well as my business expenses.

Please give what you can to cover a month's stay for me in this safe, stable, clean, all-inclusive environment - then I'll be able to continue paying for this or a similar monthly lodging until the house is ready.