Help Me Keep My Apartment

My name is Nova Lachlan! I'm a music teacher living in The Junction neighbourhood in Toronto. I'm also someone who struggles with a lovely cornucopia of physical and mental limitations that make it difficult for me to find work. I've spent years developing my treatment plan and career in tandem to make a life for myself that keeps me out of harm's way and enables me to contribute the most to society. This year, my plans have begun to fall through, due to a few instances of bad luck.

The first unlucky thing to happen is that signups for extra-curricular activities have been exceptionally low in Toronto across all disciplines. This translates to having much less work available to me, despite my best efforts. I haven't been earning enough to pay my bills since June of 2023. My plan is to supplement what I make from teaching with support from the ODSP program (Ontario's disability support program). The application process is taking longer than I expected, and requires costly medical appointments. It has become clear to me that I will run out of funds to support myself before I have a reasonable chance at receiving income from ODSP.

My funds would have lasted longer and I likely wouldn't be asking for support today if it hadn't been for the second unlucky event, which happened over the past summer. I am currently suing the company that hired me for the months of July and August 2023. I'm unsure of what is appropriate to say about the matter, and what information would harm my case if it was made known. What I will say is that I believe I was not given the hours I was promised, and because of that, I lost approximately $5000 in potential wages.

My biggest worry is that I won't be able to pay rent, and I'll need to give up my apartment. I fought hard to get a place that suits my needs, and the living space I got had been such a blessing to me. If I have to move, chances are slim that I'd be able to get a place like this back, given how difficult it was to get accepted on my previous income.

I'm asking for $5000 to replace what I lost over the summer due to circumstances that I believe were outside my control, but any amount donated will help me cover living expenses and doctor's appointments. Even a donation as small as $4 would cover a day's worth of self-care, and every day that I can operate at full capacity helps me get closer to earning a livable income. $13 would cover a week of bus fares. $50 would pay for a trip to the grocery store. You get the idea!

If you or someone you know are interested in taking lessons with me, my website is www.musicunmasked.ca. If you aren't able to donate, you have my blessing, as long as you keep fighting for your own goals. If I'm not giving up here, don't give up wherever you are, ok?