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Support Jae's Journey to a New Home

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edit: Please see updates: I've been approved to rent a house, but I need the security deposit.

My name is Jae. For the last 10 years I've been living with my father in a small apartment. My mental health has taken a pretty big hit because of this as most of my time is spent in my bedroom, which is only about 9'x13' (approx 2.75x4m).

I've struggled with worsening depression and anxiety due to not having my own space and not being able to support myself. I've also suffered physically as I don't even have space for a chair--I have to use my bed as my chair which has led to a lot of neck and back pain.

My income is Social Security disability--$1187/mo--and support from friends; I've had no leeway to save anything even for emergencies.

I was recently approved for Section 8 (rent voucher) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I need to move from northeast New York State, but I'm finding that the moving costs are far higher than I'd expected. I also need to pay a security deposit and first month rent. I have until early September to use the voucher and have an estimated move date of between September 1-5.

Being able to live on my own, in my own space, will be a tremendous boost to my mental health, as well as my physical health--I'll have space to move around and use my stationary bicycle, which has been stored as I can't set up where I am now and I can have some actual furniture.

My goal is to raise $3750:
$3100 for absolutely essential costs (i.e. I cannot move without this):
  • $1000 - rental van and trailer and travel costs [covered]
  • $200 - laborers to pack/unpack the container/trailer
  • $1900 - security and 1st month rent

$350 Borderline essential (move will happen but I'll be struggling without):
  • $350- initial furniture and housewares (eg dishes, chair, small dining set, microwave as I have no furniture of my own except my bed, a couple bedside tables, and a camp chair) includes approximate delivery and assembly costs

$300 Breathing Room (not essential but will help a ton)
  • $300 - unanticipated expenses/wiggle room in above costs

I've had to estimate the costs as there's no way to get anything definitive until I actually make the arrangements.

Anything raised beyond final costs would go for furniture and bills.

I'm excited to get the chance to get back out on my own and rebuild my life, but to do that I'm going to have to (to paraphrase Tennessee Williams) depend on the kindness of strangers.

I will keep this updated as goals/options change.

edited May 2 for clarification and prioritizing expenses.
edited May 19 to reduce goal amount.
edited 14 June to further reduce goal
edited 8 August, changing goal, updating photo
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Donations 

  • Susan Dougherty
    • $50
    • 3 mos
  • Jennifer Dennison
    • $20
    • 4 mos
  • Lisa Evans
    • $50
    • 4 mos
  • Karen Brady
    • $500
    • 4 mos
  • KAREN CAMPBELL
    • $50
    • 4 mos
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Organizer

Jae Sumna
Organizer
Glens Falls, NY

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