☆ Our story:

Lala and David are a Black, queer couple that met online as teens and have been together for nearly 5 years! It was late December of 2019 when, just before the pandemic's start, the two decided they wanted to live together and build a home as a chosen family.

Things did not go as planned and they ended up houseless for months until a community member took them in and gave them time to find stable housing. The two found a room to sublet for a few months and eventually were able to secure housing rooming with a couple of friends in an apartment for a bit over a year. Luckily they had the Pandemic Unemployment benefits to sustain them, but those only lasted them so long.

Around February of 2021, after several years of of chronic illness, Lala’s physical health started to worsen even more which ultimately led to a decline in Lala's mental health. Pain, fatigue, depression, and burnout all made working unsustainable as well. Lala experienced so much medical neglect and abuse over their journey in seeking medical help (which is still ongoing) and countless ER visits. After years of seeking a diagnosis and treatment for what was severely impacting their quality of life, Lala attempted to also get help for their subsequent chronic suicidality and C-PTSD. Despite expressing their life not being in immediate danger, Lala ended up incarcerated in a psych facility. (This was Lala's 4th time being psych incarcerated; the first was at age 13.) Lala and David had to rehome their dog they'd had for over a year because they realized that on top of so many health issues, systemic obstacles and trauma, they were not able to sustainably care for their pet which was traumatic in itself because she was such a source of joy and motivation for the two throughout all of the constant struggle.

Their living situation grew more difficult when Pandemic Unemployment Benefits got taken away. None of the housemates were able to keep substantial work, and their landlord was extremely intrusive and made living there uncomfortable and unsafe. They chose to not renew their lease, so David and Lala had to look for places to move together, last minute, again. With less than a week before having to move, they heard back from a lead. It was way over budget—but they needed somewhere to go. Lala found remote work that provided for them long enough to pay rent and bills for the first few months. David was a great homemaker, and caregiver to Lala, as Lala’s health was too poor for Lala to live independently and care for themself fully. It was a team effort to make it all work.

February of 2022, Lala’s grandmother passed away. This bereavement was a big setback because she was a great support and motivation to Lala throughout their struggles and survival. At this time Lala’s father offered to house Lala and David at the end of their currenton lease (which ends August 29th, 2022.) For months they believed they had secure housing for the fall.

Come to find out mid July, just before Lala’s 22nd birthday, that their stepmother (and childhood abuser) went behind their dad’s back to renew the lease with current tenants, preventing Lala from moving in in September, as planned. Lala's father acts as though there is nothing to do and is providing no material support for them and David to find alternative options.

So, that brings us to now, where Lala and David are back to being burnt out, in an unstable housing position, with poor financial circumstances and a shortage of time to secure sustainable housing, and asking for community support to survive these circumstances.

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There is a lot more to our story (and individual stories) than has been shared here, because we don’t want to divulge ALL of our trauma. We do want to be transparent that we are in dire need of community support to get back on our feet. With only a month to sign a lease and raise funds to afford move-in fees and moving costs, we are under an extreme stress and time constraints--juggling work, apartment searching and all of our basic necessities.

We don’t want to beg but this is a crisis and we know we deserve stability--we’ve worked for it, and held onto hope for this long, so we know things have got to get better for us. We are ready to live a life of joy and rest after so much suffering and sacrifice! We hope you will support us in actualizing that, and we thank you in advance for any help that you are willing to offer, whether it’s a donation or just sharing this fundraiser around.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read our story and valuing our safety! Please consider sharing this fundraiser with your network, family, and friends and contributing donations if you can! Be well. ♡

☆ More about Lala and David:

Lala (she/he/they) is a multiply-disabled autistic, Mad, chronically ill, SA and chronic suicidality survivor, queer, and gender abundant, mixed Black and white person. They are a community engaged artist, cultural organizer and storyteller. Lala dreams of one day living in a small house with dogs and spending their days writing poetry and watching cartoons.

David (they/he) is a neurodivergent, queer, gnc Black person. They enjoy socializing with friends (which is obviously not too possible these days) and other various activities like gaming and reading manga. David dreams of a future full of peaceful days.

Reaching this goal of $8000 would mean the world to the two of us because it will allow us our basic right to housing and ease the process of moving, ultimately giving us the materials we need to survive and be safe.

☆ Other ways to donate:

Cashapp: $autieshawtie

Venmo: @autieshawtie

Paypal: paypal.me/autieshawtie

Zelle: lalashanks@gmail.com

All Paylinks: https://moneyyy.me/$autieshawtie

Gift Wishlist: https://thronegifts.com/u/legendoflala

8/20/22 Update: As of August 20th, 2022, Lala and David have a solid housing lead for September. This is great news and they are hoping to reach at least the halfway point of their goal by August 27th to afford the move-in fees!

Lala has recently been experiencing symptoms of upper-respiratory infection, testing negative for COVID and will be seeking medical care for this. Before this, Lala experienced a “crash” due to their ME/CFS and being overactive between packing and other responsibilities and has had to cancel 3 paying vending gigs so far, which heavily impacts income. Donations are always appreciated, but even more so now as time is cutting close and the two are working hard on making this move smooth especially with recent developments in Lala’s health!

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8/24/2022 Update: Lala was recently hospitalized for dehydration, emesis and severe pain, and has been bedridden, recovering from their sickness. They’re definitely noticing an improvement after resting the last few days and will be getting back to moving prep soon!

Lala and David were able to move their moving date to August 31st! So that means a couple extra days for packing, to fundraise and otherwise prep for their move. Funds are still needed urgently!

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1/14/2023 Update: Lala has been dealing with a lot of health issues lately. Their Myalgic Encephalomyelitis often results in extreme levels of fatigue and pain which makes it hard to care for themself and they’ve been struggling even more to find work (including gigs and wfh). David started a new job almost 2 months ago but this job doesn’t pay a livable wage despite being very labor intensive. David also provides a ton of care to Lala, so this is all very unsustainable for the both of them. They have been late on rent these past few months (Nov, Dec and Jan) which makes it hard to afford other living costs in addition to rent and bills. Please consider supporting if you’re able to create a bit of ease allowing Lala and David to access rest and other personal needs that finances have been getting in the way of!

*URGENT* Help Lala and David Sustain Housing!

By Lala Shanks

*URGENT* Help Lala and David Sustain Housing!

✦ Support disabled, queer, Black couple stay housed! ✦

Team Members

URGENT Help Lala and David Sustain Housing!

URGENT Help Lala and David Sustain Housing!