Hi, and thank you for taking a moment to read this. I’m currently facing a housing emergency that wasn’t caused by a lack of effort or responsibility, but by a breakdown in how rent assistance payments were processed and accepted. I fell behind on rent earlier this year due to reduced work hours and ongoing financial strain. I immediately did what I was supposed to do: I reached out for help, applied for rental assistance, stayed in communication with my apartment complex, and worked with St. Vincent de Paul, who approved assistance and issued a payment on my behalf. Unfortunately, my apartment complex refused to accept the payment because it did not cover the entire balance, even though partial payments are typically allowed and the funds were offered in good faith. Because the payment was rejected, it is now being returned to the assistance agency, leaving me responsible for the full remaining balance of $2,400 to avoid eviction. I want to be very clear: this money was available, offered, and approved. It was not accepted due to policy and timing — not because help wasn’t there or because I didn’t try. I am continuing to work with St. Vincent de Paul and other local organizations, and they are advocating on my behalf. I also have time before my court date on February 26, but I need to close this gap quickly to avoid losing my home. I’m asking for help covering this balance so I can stabilize my housing and move forward without the constant threat of displacement. I am employed, actively seeking additional resources, and committed to regaining stability — I just need help bridging this moment. If you’re able to contribute, please know that you are helping someone stay housed during a bureaucratic breakdown, not rescuing someone who gave up. If you can’t donate, sharing this also helps more than you know. Thank you for reading, for caring, and for helping in any way you can.