This fundraiser was created to support Britt during an extremely difficult time in their life. Britt is experiencing a mental health and financial crisis and needs their community's help as they work hard to stabilize. For those that are lucky to know Britt personally, you know that they are extremely generous when their community is in need and have a deep passion for genuine mutual aid. We're hoping you're willing to answer this call!

The catalyst for this request is that they have been battling some unwelcome insect visitors (bedbugs) and a slumlord on and off for the past year. After what they were hoping was a final treatment, they tried to put it all behind them, and moved to an apartment that they fell in love with. Much to their horror (and in spite of many precautions taken), they discovered a few tagalongs. While they have been able to prevent an infestation from spreading further, and get rid of the bugs, this took a major toll on their mental health. It has especially negatively impacted their ability to feel safe in their new home and to focus on work. This experience has majorly triggered their well-founded fears of employment loss and insecure housing. For anyone who has experienced the nightmare that is bedbugs, I'm sure you can empathize. 

In Britt's desperate attempts to cope with and address this problem, they found themselves deep in debt and spiraling into a debilitating mental health crisis. Now that the bugs have been dealt with, Britt is trying to pick up the pieces in the aftermath of spending thousands of dollars on treatment materials and numbing the despair by spending money they don't have. They are taking FMLA leave for about 12 weeks, starting April 1st, when they will also begin an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) to address their poor mental health. This means an additional thousands of dollars of out-of-pocket program costs (even with insurance) and thousands of dollars in lost wages, while they're already in debt. 

GOAL #1 (first $15K): 

Lost wages &  IOP costs

We've already received pledges totaling $6,000 so huge shoutout to those generous donors!

STRETCH GOAL #2:

Bedbug treatment debt

STRETCHIER GOAL #3:

Spending down additionally accrued debt

Any "spillover" from previous goals will be put towards subsequent stretch goal :)

In addition to the current debt and upcoming costs, Britt could really use some time to get into nature with their trusty bike without everything hanging over their head. As a reward for putting in the hugely significant work of "getting their sh*t together," you can also help them experience joy and healing outside, doing their favorite thing, camping and cycling. A small portion of the initial fundraising goal is allocated to this, and a previously planned family reunion trip, because hope, joy, and connection are what carry us through the darkness. 

We know these are extremely tough times for just about everybody, but we are asking that you please support Britt with any amount that you can so that they are able to focus on their recovery, and can get back on their feet, without finding themselves in a worse financial nightmare (current sociopolitical nightmare not withstanding). If you cannot directly give financially at this time, and are local to Chicago, please consider providing a meal while they are on leave: Meal Train.

REWARDS:

1) If you provide your mailing address after donating, you will receive a Thank You card

2) For $50+, you can get a Chicago area "bike tour day"/chill bike ride with Britt (sign up form coming soon)

Other rewards, potentially in the works!

So much love and solidarity,

Charla/Charlie & Britt