GoFundMe https://gofund.me/74ed66257
My name is Morgan Rice. I’m sorry to be asking for help. I’m at my wits end and thought I would try this. I am 26 and was just diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. It has made my life hell. I have had two ankle surgeries because of it. Now my hands are not working as well as they should. In 2023 I was also diagnosed with bipolar with hallucinations and mania, borderline personality disorder, severe depression and anxiety, and complex PTSD. I applied for disability and we thought I would get it. Turns out I didn’t. I found a job that I might be able to do and I’m very excited for it. It’s a special education teachers assistant job. I start Monday, December 1st.Â
Here’s the back story. We got married in 2019. My husband then had some mental health issues and alcohol abuse, so I had him committed. In the end of 2020, we lost our jobs. My husband was let go because of Covid and I was being harassed so I left. In January of 2021, we were evicted from our home so my sister let us move in with her, an hour away. I had a job up until September of 2023 when the company downsized. I then applied for disability because my mental health was horrible. I also had three surgeries in three years. My husband found a job and is currently a correctional officer at a local prison. I found out that I did not get disability in June of 2025. My sister also informed me that she is moving to be with her boyfriend. We were supposed to move out in September when I would’ve gotten my disability back pay. That did not happen. So now I’m getting ready to start work. We now have to move in March of 2026. We are in need of a home. We are going to rent somewhere but we need help raising the money for a deposit. I have done the math and most places here in Franklin are about $1300-1600 a month. So if we move into a place that’s 1600 a month we will need roughly a $4,000 deposit. We plan on using our tax refund to help with this. But we also need to save from that. I have reached out to local churches and their budgets are tapped for the year. I have reached out to the trustees office, Salvation Army, and a few other places but they deem this move as a want and not a need. We HAVE to move in March. I know once we move we will be able to keep up with the monthly payments. Honestly we are wanting to buy but our credit is not good and also the downpayment for a house is crazy right now. We will also need everything to furnish the home. Kitchen stuff, dresser, clothes, furniture. You name it.
Thank you and again I’m sorry for reaching out like this. I just feel so lost on not knowing where we will be in just a few months. #gofundme #gofundmehelp #help #christmas
Living with both rheumatoid arthritis and complex mental health diagnoses can be incredibly overwhelming and demanding, especially when coupled with financial instability. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects joints, often leading to pain, decreased mobility, and the need for surgeries like those Morgan has undergone on her ankles. Managing such a disease can take a toll physically and emotionally, making daily tasks challenging. In addition to physical health battles, Morgan’s diagnoses of bipolar disorder with hallucinations, borderline personality disorder, severe depression, anxiety, and complex PTSD add layers of complexity to her situation. These mental health challenges can affect mood stability, relationships, and the ability to maintain consistent employment or receive disability support, as Morgan has experienced. The impact of losing employment and housing together can be devastating, as seen in Morgan’s journey. Eviction and moving in with family temporarily often creates uncertainty and stress, especially if that arrangement is temporary. Securing independent housing is critical for emotional well-being and rebuilding stability, but rental deposits, furniture, and ongoing costs pose significant barriers, especially without disability benefits or sufficient income saved. Community resources often have limited funding and strict criteria, so people in need can sometimes be overlooked if their circumstances are viewed as non-emergency, even when urgency is real. Morgan’s attempts to reach out to churches, Salvation Army, and trustees' offices reflect the challenge of finding adequate support for housing deposits and essential household items. Starting a new job as a special education teacher’s assistant represents hope and resilience for Morgan. Employment can provide a path to financial independence and stability, but transitioning to a new job while managing health conditions requires tremendous courage. Many in the community may relate to or have empathy for Morgan’s plight, understanding how chronic illness, mental health, and economic hardship can intertwine. Supporting her GoFundMe campaign contributes not only to helping with rent deposit and furnishing a home but also uplifts a family striving to regain their footing during a difficult period. If you know others who have faced similar challenges, sharing Morgan’s story can raise awareness about the complex realities of living with chronic illness and mental health conditions, the gaps in social safety nets, and the power of community support. Every bit of assistance can make a meaningful difference in providing a safe, stable home environment crucial for recovery and growth.