A little “helping hand” as I start a new chapter for Arlo and me

I don’t usually like asking for help, but I’m putting my pride aside and sharing what I’m going through.

I’m moving from Albany to Tigard and starting courses through PCC with the goal of becoming a Community Health Worker. Helping people has always mattered deeply to me, especially those who need support finding resources or taking their next step.

I’m also trying to make sure my ESA cat, Arlo, can safely come with me. Arlo means so much to me and has been an important source of comfort and companionship. Arlo with me into our new home SAFE.CONTENT.HAPPY is my only goal

For those who don’t know my story, I’ve overcome addiction and have been in recovery since 2013. I’ve survived an abusive relationship, left Washington, rebuilt my life in Oregon, worked hard to support myself, and recently received a late AuDHD diagnosis that helped me understand myself in new ways. Despite difficult chapters, I’m still learning, growing, and working toward turning my experiences into something that can help others.

I’ve been doing everything I can to make this move happen independently. I’m connected with the STEP/SNAP navigation program, which should eventually help with courses and books, but that assistance may take a couple of months to begin. I was also recently separated from a job I genuinely loved, so I’m trying to cover the gap while moving forward.

I’ve contacted local resources, including 211, churches, FISH, Love INC, CHANCE, CSC, and others. Unfortunately, many require formal landlord/tenant documentation or an official eviction situation. My current landlord is elderly and unable to provide that type of agreement, so I’m looking for another way to manage these immediate costs.

Donations would go toward:

🚚 Moving costs — paying helpers with vehicles to transport my belongings from Albany to Tigard/Portland.

🏠 Current housing — covering the eight days of prorated rent remaining after my 30-day notice.

🏡 New housing — my first month at the new place is $900. Any funds remaining after immediate moving costs will go toward that expense.

I currently have about $400 toward the move and have been selling belongings I care about to help cover costs.

I want to be completely transparent: donations will be used specifically for moving, housing, and Arlo’s temporary safety and care during this transition. I’m happy to provide updates and show receipts, so people can see where the money goes.

I’m not asking anyone to fix this for me. I’m doing everything I can; I’m simply asking for a little help while I transition into this next chapter and work toward being reunited with Arlo.

If you’re able and want to donate, anything helps. ❤️ If you can’t, that’s completely okay. Sharing this, offering a resource, or sending a kind word means a lot too. I’m especially open to resources that don’t require formal landlord/tenant documentation or an eviction.

No pressure and no expectations. If you don’t agree with my choices, you don’t have to participate—no hard feelings. I’m learning that I don’t have to fit anyone else’s idea of “normal.” I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m choosing to keep moving forward.

Thank you for donating, sharing, offering resources, or simply rooting for Arlo and me. Here’s to Tigard, PCC, Community Health Work, new opportunities, and turning what I’ve survived into something that can help someone else someday.