I started this tiny campaign a few months back as a way to potentially crowdfund for my baby brother (read: he's like my child) and his long-time girlfriend. They got behind on rent due to financial issues during COVID, including their health. My brother suffers from stress-induced ulcers. He was fired from his job at Value Village (fuck them and no one should shop there) and struggled to find work for a couple of months afterward. They're both employed now but their rent is 1,600+ dollars with the $500 "COVID repayment plan" they have with their property management company.
And then Levi had dangerously elevated liver levels and went four days without being able to keep food or water down. When I took him to urgent care, they insisted he take a few weeks off of work as they figured out what was going on with him. He was weak, shaky, and dehydrated. He has not been let go from his job since he has been provided doctors' notices but he has not earned a dime since he's been off work. His employer offers the minimum sick pay possible, which my brother had already used by the time he got really sick.
I've reached out to the state and to local mutual aid resources. While I'm getting somewhere in potentially connecting him with some financial relief, working with the state is a nightmare and even if something like temporary disability comes through, he won't see that money for weeks, or even months. Here's what else I'm trying:
- Gently crowdfund while
- Reaching out to local mutual aid resources (they live in Everett, WA)
- Scouring 211 for any financial aid available
- Reviewing and researching their agreement to ensure it's legally sound
- Setting up pro bono tax services to help them catch up and potentially receive past-due stimulus checks
I've provided a lot of financial support to my brother in the past month, and in the past 29 years of his life. I can't afford to do that long-term so this is what I'm doing, relying on my community and network. I don't expect to raise $10,000, or rather, hope we don't have to raise that much as city and county resources hopefully come through. 10,000 dollars is a stretch-goal. Even 2,000 would make a huge difference in his life right now.
Will update as I hear from resources in Snohomish County! Love y'all. 🤞
