the eviction FAQ

So the good news? I'm not being evicted /tomorrow./ the actual process won't begin until December 3rd or, and even then I'll have three days to a week to vacate the place. But December 3rd is the last day I have to make rent or be evicted by.  As it stands I have a buck forty, that's $1.40 in the bank. 

If I am evicted it's not because I have a baby with me, or am a lesbian, or have my mom (unemployed, forcibly retired?) living with us. It'd be because of my inability to pay the $980 rent. 

Social services can't help; not eligible for eviction help ( until after the fact, apparently) nor can I apply for govt assistance/disability. Church groups trend not towards helping lesbian families, which I can understand. 

Up until now I've been depending on my art portrait sales to make rent, and even though the portrait runs have been successful, without the larger client commissions for editorial illustrations, I just don't make enough to get by. And while in the past year I've had some great patron level clients, the economy hit them too.  

Some folks have sent me links to get help and condolences, and I appreciate that, I'm chasing down what viable information I can. It's getting to the point where I'm wondering if I can sell plasma. 

I'm trying not to sound desperate, but remaining calm in the situation is a novel act for me. I'm not the only one out there suffering, and others have it far worse. That combined with the fact that I know for sure my partner and my baby have a place to stay (even f that invitation does not extend to me) makes me feel much less panicked than I might otherwise be. 

If you want to help:

A few folks have asked me what they can do to help. Aside from commissioning portraits at much cheaper rates than before, you can tell your friends who might be looking for holiday gifts. There's also that donate button up there. If you donate even a dollar, you will get a nice thank you gift from me, in the form of some sort of digital art.  Condolences are nice too, but try to remember I'm staying as upbeat as I can in the situation, so no beat downs ( why don't you just do x?) please. 

More as I think of it, need sleep now.

-as i was getting ready to blog this, my webhost sent me a " we couldnt process this months bill" email. oops. if this site is gone in a week thats why.

Comments

[ArthurFrDent]

Done. No Strings.

[Obviously Anon]

Really sorry to hear about your situation Mari, especially in light of the work you so generously contributed to Quakebook at a time when you could probably have done with some assistance yourself. As someone who has been fighting eviction for over a decade my heart goes out to anyone who is forced from their home. I'm afraid that, for obvious reasons, funds are low and I am not in a position to help in that way. I wish I could wave a magic wand and make this all disappear for you but I think you are creative and talented enough that you will bounce back from this - wiser and stronger - and in time this will become a distant memory.

My thoughts are with you and your partner and child. I really wish you the very best.