Hello!
We are Jerry 'Wolf' & LindaSue 'Spirit" Stage. We are 58 and 51 years young respectfully. We are also Native American descendants that have a small beadwork & crafts business that we run part time and online. Wolf is also a US Navy veteran.
The VA recently discovered nodules in Wolf's lungs and on his vocal cords (non-cancerous) caused by living in an apartment with black mold. Even after moving from the situation, the VA doctors have determined that his current work environment is just aggravating the nodules. While he is not classified as disabled, he has been advised to leave the current work situation due to this condition and find something else. But getting ready to turn 59, there are not a lot of work opportunities available. And neither one of us want to be added to an already over-burdened Social Security payout system.
Long story short - we need to earn an honest living without doing more damage to his health or living off of the government.
The Goal and Plan:
Right now we have a craft business based on our Native heritage. We are currently scheduled for 7-8 powwows this year. We also sell online and at various craft fairs. While we know we will not likely become rich from doing this, we do believe that we can earn an honest, self-sufficient living by being able to travel freely and adding more to the schedule. And it will be doable without the day to day responsibilities that come with a permanent home base.
We did try this before but did not have a solid plan in place and ended up living out of our van. That situation didn't work very well due to the confined space and being unable to do the basics needed to survive properly. This time, we do have a plan.
Our Plans - Step by Step:
Right now we have a step-by-step action plan in mind and would like to share it with you here:
#1 - The first $300 will be used to have a properly installed hitch/wiring system done at our local U-Haul dealership. This way we will know exactly what our towing capabilities will be on our '98 Chevy Blazer. And we will be sure that everything is done safely and correctly. Planning to do this full-time, a "gum and baling wire" setup will NOT work.
#2 - We are currently scouring Craigslist for a decent pop-up tent trailer or smaller camper (under 4000 lbs towing weight). We have seen prices in the range of $900 - $2500 that would fit our needs. One that we would like to get ahold of is shown in the following photos and is priced at $2000. But we all know how Craigslist works and will keep checking daily as funds start building.
#3 - In order to be completely self-sufficient, we are planning to add a solar panel system and generator so we do not have to rely on paid campsites, yet still have the comforts of home. We have found that through Harbor Freight, this can be done for under $600 (or even less if we can catch these on sale)
We Need Your Help To Make This Happen In A Timely Manner!
Right now Wolf is still working part-time at the current job. He has gotten his hours cut enough to just barely make our weekly responsibilities but he does need to get out of there completely to protect his health before the nodules have a more serious and permanent effect on his health. With the events that we currently have scheduled, we will be doing our very best to get this plan into full motion. But to be completely honest, we can't do it without YOUR help.
We understand that times are rough for everyone right now, but even $5 can go a long way. That is just 740 people adding $5 to this. I believe in human nature and I believe that there ARE 740 people that can do this (that is less than a value meal at McDonald's). In the overall scheme of things, I do honestly believe this can be done. BUT it has to start with 1 or 2 people making that initial help. If you have read this far, it means that you have an interest in the venture. I believe that we can count on you.
Thank you,
Spirit & Wolf