Over the past few years, my health has declined due to Systemic Lupus and PTSD, making it increasingly difficult to work. I’m currently awaiting surgery on my dominant hand, but the process has been slow due to delays with Medi-Cal.

In June 2024, I lost my part 1099 job due to a severe Lupus flare-up. Unfortunately,  I hadn’t worked enough to qualify for disability benefits. Since then, I’ve applied to over 300 jobs on Indeed, Glassdoor, and other platforms but have been unable to secure employment. I qualify for SSI disability, but I’ve been told approval could take up to two years.

Since October 2023, I’ve been living in my minivan with my beloved rescue animals, three cats and a senior dog. I became homeless after escaping an unsafe living situation. Local shelters are overcrowded, but I’m on priority waiting lists for independent housing due to my medical conditions, and I remain hopeful that something will come through soon.

I don’t have family besides my 23 year old son who’s barely getting by himself so, my animals are my family and my lifeline. I couldn’t t bear the thought of them being separated or potentially euthanized due to shelter’s being overcrowded, and despite our situation, they have adjusted remarkably well.

Until November I was driving for Uber Eats to survive, but I can no longer continue because my car registration expired & I can’t afford insurance.  I am now behind on my car payment. Without my car, I’ll lose both my shelter and my ability to work. My immediate needs are of car insurance, car payments, and funds to catch up. 

I have over 25  years of customer service experience, have owned and managed salons and spas, and even worked as a flight attendant for United Airlines. I apply to multiple jobs daily and am determined to rebuild my life.

Anything a donation, a share, or even words of encouragement would mean the world to me. Asking for help is incredibly difficult, but I’m doing everything I can to stay hopeful and proactive. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

With gratitude, Amy, Beebee, Blue, Momo & Milo