A 28 year old student at Seattle Central Community College pursuing degrees in psychology and business, Ann was forced to drop out when her financial aid expired. Nannying and cleaning houses does not provide much of a living and the hours are unpredictable, so when Ann’s roommate moved out in August, she knew she was in trouble. Alone in Seattle, without any family to turn to for financial support, Ann struggled to make ends meet this fall, only to have her power shut-off abruptly in December as she was trying to make payment arrangements.
Cold for several days before finding her way to Byrd Barr Place, Ann is just starting untangle the complex web of social services available for low-income individuals in the Seattle. Currently in a market rate apartment with no prospect of a roommate to help her split the rent, Ann hopes to move into lower-income housing soon, but each time she gets waitlisted after her interview, with so many people in similar situations.
When Ann found out about the anonymous donors who gave $220 in Bridge the Gap funds to help her restore her electricity, Ann paused in shock. “Does this happen often?” she asked, touched that somebody would be so generous, without even knowing her. “Words can’t describe what a help this is. It is going to keep me going, give me the extra time to save up for future bills. It is such a huge help.”
