Subsist a Survivor.
Make Independence Prevail.
Hey y'all. It's Mercedes (or Merc for my fam).
Back in 2015--a couple of weeks or so before my September birthday, with my then 3 year old in tow, I moved 2-3 hours away to leave my abusive ex and his family and to finally be back home around my family.
I've been out here ever since. I never went back (finally).
Y'all know me--I'm a survivor and a warrior. And I've been putting in all the blood, sweat, tears, and self-sacrifices to ensure me and my baby girl's safety, security, and independence so as to never be in a similar situation again (it's also my goal for her to have the childhood and opportunity I never had).
Well, almost 8 years later, it's all currently under threat of coming to a screeching end. I'm now at a point in which I have to (temporarily) move back out there and live with my abuser's parents and in too close proximity to my abuser.
Now that I'm in a such a vulnerable place, the what and why I left is starting back up again (think financial control/abuse, gaslighting, etc.). Which is not only retraumatizing, but aggravating my already severely aggravated MDD, GAD, & PTSD.
So I'm here today to ask for your help.
By Friday (March 31st at 10am Eastern), I have to pay my landlord $268.65 to avoid a judgement on my record (which would prevent my ability to secure housing).
Due to bankruptcy last year, I never got my car inspected (was due in June 2022). My therapist sent me this resource where they will inspect my car and cover all fees/repairs for my car to pass inspection. I only need to pay $64.20 for the tags and $64 for my way overdue oil-change. I was approved for the program just a few weeks ago, but was told it'll be weeks before I can get an appointment.
Well, right before my court hearing (regarding my housing) today, they asked if I was available this Thursday at 2pm. I of course took the opportunity.
I'm behind on 2 cell phone payments and 1 internet payment (I do not have cable).
I'm currently in a program with my electric company that forgives what I owe and supplements my monthly bill. To remain in it, I have to pay the monthly bill on time. That bill is due next week.
Update for Quick Reference: PayPal @mercedesveronica, CashApp $MercedesAvery, Venmo @MercedesAvery1. Same info still at the bottom/end of this story, before the update posts.
Here's the breakdown:
Rent Ledger, Page 1
(once I got my first apartment, I never left)
Rent Ledger, Page 5
(shows balance due and that I've had rent assistance from the county)
Cell Phone Bill
(which is already discounted through an assistance program)
Internet bill
(also discounted through an assistance program)
Electric Bill
(supplemented through an assistance program)
This all adds up to:
I've been given a notice of non-renewal for my lease. I must be out by May 31st (hence the need to move back temporarily).
Your subsist will get me through this week. Then after that, I will cross the bridge of April's rent and other basic living expenses once I get there.
I suddenly lost my job end of October last year, not long after my bankruptcy was officially discharged. I immediately applied for unemployment compensation. It took until end of January this year to receive a determination. It was denied. I immediately filed an appeal as I gave them the wrong documentation and left out my medical/disability need. My appeal hearing has JUST been scheduled. It's on April 6th.
I've recently applied for SSDI & SSI. But it'll take 4-8 months to get a determination.
I'm currently receiving food stamps and child support. That's it.
I've sold off everything I could (didn't make much). And I've exhausted my friends & family loans. They've covered some bills (with and without the need of payback) and got me this far.
I'm at a complete loss on what to do.
I've been a survivor all my life which means I'm resourceful as hell. I always find a way. I'd never have survived my life (childhood and adulthood) otherwise.
This is the first time I haven't found a way, an option, an opportunity, a creative solution.
I can't and I won't give up. I have no other option but to never give up.
When I can't do it for me, I always do it for my daughter, first and foremost.
So if you pray, pray; if you wish on stars, wish; if you send all the vibes, send; if you share funds like this, share.
And if you have $1 to spare, then I humbly ask for that $1.
I wish I could promise to pay you back or do something, anything, for you in return. Right now, all I can do is promise to pay your kindnesses forward at the first opportunity, the next opportunity, and the next.
If you have any questions, reach out to me. I'm an open book and am big on transparency.
I will regularly update and account for dollars spent (should I receive anything).
Eviction Notice/Hearing, Page 1
(court hearing was today)
Notice of Non-Renewal of my lease, Page 1
Make Independence Prevail.
Subsist a Survivor.
UPDATE: If you'd rather avoid entering your CC info, feel free to PayPal me (@mercedesveronica), CashApp me ($MercedesAvery), or Venmo me (@MercedesAvery1). I will manually add the donation to this fund should you opt to do so.
