Heather K Powers

Navigating Appraisals and Auctions

February 4, 2025 by Heather Filed Under: Appraisal, Art, Collections Leave a Comment

As a Professional Organizer and Personal Property Appraiser, I often help clients understand the best resources for valuing items in their homes.

Navigating appraisals and auctions can be intimidating and overwhelming.

Maybe you’ve inherited books, coins, or artwork you no longer want or have space to live with. I frequently work with clients who are downsizing and need to sell items. My first approach is to identify valuable items and cross-reference them with the items a client is willing to sell or give to family or friends (now or later). Sometimes, we don’t know the value of what we’re examining, so bringing in someone who knows more is an excellent idea. I’ve built relationships with local auction and estate sale companies specializing in specific item categories. I find that people often think they need an appraisal when they want to know how much something is worth. Both appraisals and auction companies can be excellent resources for this, but knowing when to appraise or when to auction can be confusing. This post will explain the process in simple terms.

💫 When you need an Appraisal

Over the past several years, I’ve had many clients who need help navigating the assessment of their collections. This is why I became a personal property appraiser. I aim to spot valuable items and alert my clients while also helping them find the best resources for selling. The first and most important thing to understand about appraisals is why you need one. There are three categories for appraisal. Each will help the appraiser determine what kind of valuation to apply to the appraised objects. The first appraisal categories is for insurance value, either before a policy is applied to or after a damage claim. The second category is donation appraisals for tax deduction and they require Fair Market Value. The IRS requires singular items over $5000 as well as collections that fall under other guidelines to be accompanied by a qualified appraisal. Finally, divorce or estate disbursement of assets often require valuations.

Each appraisal requires a specific approach to determine the value, which is accessed on different circumstances. It gets complicated! Before you ask for an appraisal, know that a qualified and accredited appraiser will first ask you why you need it. Becoming accredited is ‘governed’ by the National Appraisal Foundation, which sets the industry’s educational, ethical, and professional standards. Several appraisal trade organizations exist to implement these qualifications. I am a qualified International Society of Appraisers (ISA) member. If you find an appraiser who says they are licensed, ask questions. There is no such process of “Licensing” appraisers in the USA. Many excellent appraisers have been practicing since before these standards were implemented in 1989, and they chose not to maintain these standards. You may not need a qualified appraiser. This is when working with an auction company might be worth considering.

💫Selling Items at Auction

Some auction companies specialize in specific items; others are generalists. Some sell antique and high-end items, others sell mid-tier ‘decorator’ items. Many auction companies and estate sales companies are happy to look at photos of items via email. They may also offer free consultation to see if you have items of interest to their clientele. Since COVID, most auctions are posted/cleared through online sites like Live Auctioneer reaching local and international clients. Ask the auction company who their clients are (local, specific types of collectors, etc). Look at their online presence with these clearing sites. You can set up a free profile before your objects go to market so that you can follow the process.

Understanding the buyer’s and seller’s premiums is essential before you agree to work with any auction company. It’s also important to understand the process of setting minimums for each object.

This way, if a specific price is not realized, the item will pass (not sell at a price lower than you desire). Not all auction companies recommend or offer this, so discussing their procedures is essential. Most auction companies do not disclose this on their website, so making some calls and emails to discuss your client’s details will be necessary. Have photos ready, look at past auctions to see what sold or didn’t, and see if items are similar to what you want to sell.💫Collectibles

Coins will always have a minimum of scrap metal value. This doesn’t mean you should sell them at a pawn shop! Books can be tricky, but if you know a few things to look for, you can narrow your selection to items likely to interest book resellers. Artwork, fine crafts, antique, vintage furniture or clothing, glassware or cut crystal, paperweights, shells, objects from global travels, and more. There are many reasons that people collect. A collection might start with an object or two; purchased, gifted, or inherited. It may start as a way to memorialize a special occasion. Many people don’t consider themselves collectors because they don’t equate monetary value with their things. There are all kinds of collectors and many reasons for collecting. Once we have identified what we love and are collecting, it’s helpful to write down why and how the collection came to be and document the history of objects (provenance matters).

💫Decorative Objects/Decorative Arts

We live with decorative objects; lamps, baskets, decorative accessories, sculptures, glassware, silver, ceramics, and more. I recently worked with an specialist to help a client with a fine southern antique silver collection. With the pieces accessed by a specialist auction company, they realized thousands more than they would have received with a smaller (generalist) company. It pays to seek experts and get second opinions. It’s also an excellent opportunity to learn from them!

💫Artwork

When looking for an auction house specializing in artworks, it is essential to find the right expertise. Those specializing in specific artists, styles, periods, regions, etc. I have worked with several auction houses in South Carolina, depending on the client’s needs and collections. I always invite the best auction company for the most prominent work in a collection to look (via emailed photos and/or in-person) and make first choices. With this “top-down” approach I learn from the prominent auction companies what work they want, then find alternate opportunities for the remaining items. Art can be expensive to crate and ship, but that may be the best option for some artwork if it will command a much higher price. This is important to consider before agreeing to work with anyone specifically. Before signing with any auction co, it’s helpful to know if a reputable and appropriate company closer to you can represent your assets and reach the market needed to sell goods at top prices.

I hope this short post is helpful and provides more information about what, why, and when to seek out an Appraisal or Auction Company. Please leave a comment below if I can answer any more specific questions.

Curb Kitchen Chaos

January 23, 2025 by Heather Filed Under: Health, Organize, Organizing Projects, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources Leave a Comment

Kitchen organizing is a dream job for me. Here are quick tips to Curb Kitchen Chaos. I love to cook, so creating functional and easy-to-use storage systems is a joy!

A Kitchen Case Study

Here’s an excellent example of a kitchen with ample storage but lacks organizing and storage systems. This family didn’t see the potential for re-arranging items to maximize better the drawers, cabinets, and pullout storage they had.

We first tackled the family “command center,” a corner nook that seemed to capture everything from flower vases to cereal, kids’ medicine to keys. This area had become a “dumping ground” and looked and felt very cluttered.

Challenges of an Open-Concept Kitchen

We discussed how this space could best serve the family’s needs and started by moving the items that didn’t belong out. Many kitchens are part of an open floor plan or open to a great room (this example was), so keeping things orderly is vital since food prep is no longer out of sight. Kitchens often double as office spaces, family planning hubs, and play areas. It can be frustrating to have toys and paperwork strewn everywhere. This process will usually create a bigger mess than you have. The chaos of pulling things out and not yet having room to put them away can turn people off …but hang in there!

Corral, Contain, and Decant

We transformed what remained by corralling small:

Kids’ art supplies went into cute glass jars
Keys went on command hooks
Medicine went in clear bins, like this high-sided, clear, lazy Suzan
Sun/glasses went into a small basket
Frequently used phone numbers (for the babysitter/nanny, etc.) went into a binder in a nearby desk drawer.
This drawer became a more practical storage space for everyday office supplies, such as pens, pencils, tape, scissors, the checkbook, and the family’s paper calendar, for quick reference. It made sense because it is part of the area that serves as a “command center.”

Efficient Kitchen Zones

If your kitchen needs a bit of order, try rethinking where you store items and creating zones for more efficient use of space. We tackled strategic zones, working our way from one end of the kitchen to the other, finishing with the fridge (no photo’s-sorry). We created specific zones for breakfast, baking, spices, kids, command center, and cooking.

Tips to Curb Kitchen Chaos

Kitchen Organizing-Before

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Often, people don’t label because they think they will remember what goes where. Still, if you have a housekeeper, nanny, babysitter, or family member who regularly uses the space, they will not know where things go unless you make it simple. Your logic might not be the same as other household members, so using labels will help everyone get on the same page. The primary person using the space should consider others’ needs. Ultimately, the space should be set up to serve those who use it most.
Quick tip: I have several “go-to” favorite containers that work well for various needs. However, I also consider what the client likes. If storage is visible, we will look for more decorative containers that fit the client’s decor.
Use labels and zones inside the fridge! Yes, we all tend to keep things like condiments together, but what about designating a lower shelf and container for kids’ snacks, another area for breakfast foods, and so on? Labels (as stated above) will make it easy for everyone in the house to remember where everything goes.

Kitchen Organizing-After

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In summary, create a system based on zones. This kitchen took two three-hour sessions (average for a mid-large kitchen). Consider what you like or have to do most (baking but not much cooking, making lunches, etc). In the end, the kitchen will function much more smoothly. Everyone knows where things belong, thanks to labels on all the shelves and drawers. Your time in the kitchen will be so much more enjoyable and efficient!

I love how this space turned out; it’s both beautiful and functional, and it gives the kids the freedom to have fun in their space but makes it super easy to clean up when needed.

Do you have a space that serves multiple functions? If you find these spaces challenging or need help with setup, I’d love to help you! Visit my contact page, and we can schedule a time for a free”get to know your organizing needs” call.

Unraveling Courage

January 18, 2025 by Heather Filed Under: Creative process, Inspiration & Education, Planning & Goals, Productivity, Wellness & Mindset 2 Comments

Happy 2025! I have been unraveling words over the past few weeks. These days, when greeting people right after New Year, I find it’s not uncommon to exchange “words.” Selecting a word for the year (WOTY) or One Little Word (OLW-Ali Edwards) has become common practice! Susannah Conway (a photographer and creative soulmate) offers a free workbook and workshops. Many others are offering community support to establish or continue this practice. I began this practice in 2011, a year with much uncertainty. I had left my corporate career as a textile designer feeling insecure and excited about my future. I began by setting an intention for my year by selecting a word; that year, I needed clarity. By the end of the year, I had launched my business, firmly stepped away from my corporate career, and permitted myself to transform as things came into focus. The results of selecting a word were powerful, and the practice has stayed with me all these years!

My previous words over the past DECADE of selecting a WOTY.

2011: CLARITY
2012: SOAR
2013: RADIANT
2014: PLAY
2015: CHOICE
2016: HARMONY
2017: ACCEPTANCE
2018: FEARLESS
2019: INTENTION
2020: INTEGRATION
2021: POSSIBILITY
2022: HOPE
2023: DELIGHT
2024: COMPASSION

I love how they connect and flow into one another.

My word for 2025 is COURAGE.

With so many intense things happening in America and the world, from politics to natural disasters, it already feels fitting. Everything feels like a big tangled ball of scary unknown outcomes (that’s life, right?!). Unraveling courage of those messy feelings is what the process feels like for me. We can all use a little (or a lot) courage to help us navigate life’s challenges. My method of selecting a word for the year combines reflecting on the past year’s lessons and what I’ve taken away from my previous year’s words.

Word Cloud of Courage and its synonyms created with Scapple.

Last year, compassion (for self and others) taught me how to surrender, open my heart as a lifelong practice, and act in a manner that includes kindness and healthy boundaries. I went into the year feeling like I was not always very compassionate. My work with compassion is not done. Each year, when I focus on a word, I begin a lifelong exploration of my relationship to that feeling, emotion, or action. There have been times when I felt ashamed for not being more compassionate towards myself or someone else. Sometimes, it’s a conflicting choice, and it can feel like you are turning your back on another person to act compassionately towards yourself. I believe that ultimately when we learn to treat ourselves with compassion, we can better give that compassion back as a gift to others. As I reflected on these lessons, courage emerged as my word, primarily because it’s how I want to feel and act. There is a lot of fear out there right now, and I do not want to live in fear. Facing our fears takes courage. Choosing to turn toward what frightens me feels vitally important. As you can see below in the word cloud, looking at the synonyms helps me understand if a word is right for me.

In 2018, my word was Fearless or an absence of fear. Courage is slightly different. The implications are that we act despite our fears, facing them head-on. Despite our worries, facing something we are afraid of requires vulnerability; it may require asking for help, stepping outside our comfort zone, collaborating with others, and being brave and adventurous. Some acts of courage require us to stretch our boundaries, expand our horizons, and push the limits of what we think we can do. I’m starting by tackling a few tasks that I’ve put on hold or been procrastinating on that have to do with disaster and legacy planning (it’s never too early to begin planning for what ifs and absolutelys).

I’m ready for some of that! I’m feeling the need (as I mentioned above) for courage in my personal life, how I interact within the community, and in my business (as I step more boldly into my role as an appraiser). I use a vision board to mind map and visualize what courage might look life in my own life. It reflects actions, feelings, and how I imagine bringing my word into my daily life. On the vision board above, courage looks fun and playful, not like a scary monster. That is how I’m approaching courage in 2025. I would love your thoughts on the Word of the Year (WOTY) process. Please comment on this post to let me know your word (s).

How to Reflect, Review, and Reboot for the New Year

January 2, 2025 by Heather Filed Under: Organize, Planning & Goals, Productivity, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources Leave a Comment

As the new year begins, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and reboot for the New Year with renewed organizational habits. Could your time management be improved? Does your home need decluttering?

No matter your organizational goals or habits, there’s always value in reviewing what worked well — and what didn’t. You can build on those successes by understanding the systems and strategies that supported you and continue improving. On the flip side, you can set intentions for improvement in the coming year by acknowledging the areas that fell short. All this reflection has you in good company!

Organization is one of the top New Year’s resolutions, goals, and intention-setting practices for the new year (every year). Because of this, many of us (organizers) in the trade refer to January as GO (Get Organized) Month. For anyone new here, hello and welcome! I have been a member of the National Association for Organizing and Productivity Professionals (NAPO) since I began my business in 2011. So, I’ve seen my share of New Year’s organizing resolutions! If the steps below don’t feel like enough, please reach out for support from a friend or a professional organizer like me!

Let’s dive into this process to help you Reboot for the New Year.

Step 1: Celebrate Your Wins

We’re quick to focus on what didn’t go well, but reflecting on what did is just as important. Take out a notebook or open a fresh document and ask yourself the following:

What organizational strategies or tools consistently worked for you this year?
- Did a specific planner, app, or routine help keep you on track?
When did you feel most in control of your schedule and environment?
- Perhaps you decluttered a tidy space or implemented a morning routine that set the tone for productive days.
What habits brought you joy or reduced stress?
- Maybe meal prepping on Sundays made weeknights less chaotic, or setting reminders for self-care helped you stay balanced.

Remember—be kind to yourself! We’re looking for progress, not perfection. Small improvements are something to celebrate because we can build on their knowledge. For example, maybe you hung a hook for your keys, and now you always know where to find them, whereas you used to scramble to find them daily. How can we apply that principle to other spaces?

But before we move to the next step, please take a moment to appreciate the effort you put into your successes. These wins will serve as the foundation for building even better systems.

Step 2: Acknowledge Your Challenges

Now, it’s time to turn to the areas that didn’t go as planned. Remember, this isn’t about self-criticism—it’s about growth. Reflect on these questions:

What organizational habits or tools didn’t serve you well?
- Maybe you bought a planner you barely used or tried an app that didn’t fit your style.
When did you feel overwhelmed or disorganized?
- Were there specific times of the year or types of tasks that felt particularly challenging?
What habits or systems added stress instead of alleviating it?
- Perhaps you overcommitted to too many responsibilities or struggled to maintain a tidy workspace.

Be honest and compassionate with yourself. Identifying these areas isn’t about finding fault; it’s about pinpointing opportunities for improvement.

Step 3: Consider the Lessons

With your wins and challenges laid out, look for patterns and insights. Consider these:

What made the successful strategies work?
- If your meal prep habit stuck, was it because you kept it simple or enjoyed the results?
What hindered the less successful systems?
- If you didn’t use a planner, was it too complex, or did you forget to keep it handy?
How can you adjust your approach moving forward?
- You might want to try a different app, simplify your routines, or involve others in your organizational efforts.

This analysis will help refine your systems, ensuring they align with your lifestyle and needs.

Step 4: Set Intentions for the Year Ahead

With clarity on what worked and what didn’t, you’re ready to set intentions for the coming year. Intentions differ from resolutions; they’re more about guiding principles than rigid goals. Here are some examples:

For Time Management:
- “I intend to honor my schedule while leaving room for flexibility.”
For Physical Organization:
- “I intend to maintain a clutter-free workspace that inspires productivity.”
For Emotional Well-being:
- “I intend to prioritize systems that reduce stress and create balance in my life.”

Write down your intentions and keep them somewhere visible. They will serve as gentle reminders of the direction you want to take.

Remember to start small and be realistic. You can always add more later. Building momentum feels much better than falling short of your lofty intentions.

Step 5: Create a Plan of Action

Intentions are powerful but even more effective when paired with action steps.

For each intention, brainstorm practical ways to bring it to life. For example:

If you intend to “streamline my morning routine,” you might:
- Lay out clothes the night before.
- Prep breakfast ingredients ahead of time.
- Use an app to organize your daily priorities.
If you intend to “stay on top of household tasks,” you could:
- Implement a simple weekly cleaning schedule.
- Delegate chores to family members.
- Set up automatic reminders for recurring tasks.

Start small, focusing on one or two intentions at a time, and build from there.

Step 6: Celebrate Progress Along the Way

Finally, remember that lasting change takes time and doesn’t happen overnight when trying to improve habits we’ve had for decades!

As you implement your new systems and habits, celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Each step forward is a win, and recognizing that will keep you motivated.

Cheers to the New Year!

Reflecting on your organizational habits is an empowering process. It’s an opportunity to learn about yourself, acknowledge your strengths, and address areas for growth with compassion and intention. As you review your past year and set your sights on the next, remember that the goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress.

Here’s to a more organized, joyful, and fulfilling year ahead!

What to do Post-Disaster

December 27, 2024 by Heather Filed Under: Emergency Preparedness, Organize, Tips & Resources Leave a Comment

No matter where you live, natural disasters are practically impossible to ignore! With the change in our climate, especially if you live along the coastlines, it pays to get organized before and after a disaster. I’ve written on this subject for several years, given talks, and worked with many clients in preparation. I have not written about what to do after a disaster until now.

I’ve heard from several friends affected by the 2024 hurricane season and the 2025 Fires, and it hasn’t been easy. For some, it’s also been painfully slow.

Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint…sorry for the cliche metaphor. Still, it’s taken me this long to publish this post because as much as I’ve tried to help and witness the recovery process, many people are still in the first and second phases. Many people are just beginning to see recovery efforts, get significant help, and be able to get appointments with contractors for estimates and repairs.

Even those who did not experience personal property damage have been affected by the impact on the whole community, infrastructure, friends, family, and neighbors. For many in Asheville, the struggle isn’t just with property damage, insurance, and FEMA claims. It’s the impact on their livelihoods and mental health. If you want to offer your support, there are some wonderful resources in Western North Carolina, including Beloved Asheville and LA Strong. It will take YEARS for people, businesses, and communities to rebuild. Please remember this as you consider ongoing support for communities impacted by disasters.

I have worked with clients who had to navigate the aftermath of damage to their homes and properties, people who were displaced, and who were hard on themselves for not having prepared better. I’m here to remind you that we are dealing with storms and disasters for which no amount of preparation can steady you. I hope the shame and/or shock lessens over time and we all realize we could be in this position. More and more insurance companies and FEMA deny claims due to flooding or other disasters.

So, what should we do now? I hope this post offers some practical advice and resources, and more than anything, I hope it comes across not as an ‘I told you so’ but as a compassionate hand on your shoulder, offering my support. For many people, there was no way to know what was to come, no way to prepare for losing everything so quickly.

Phase One: Safety first & documentation.

Storms and disasters displace many people. Accessing your situation might not be viable initially. You may not have enough information for months to determine what to do next. Exhaustion, decision fatigue, shock, and being overwhelmed are all too common during this phase.

Take a mental inventory of places, people, and systems in place to support you.
Find safe short-term housing, clothing, and food. Shelters (Red Cross), local non-profit organizations, churches (even if you are not affiliated), friends, and family are all valuable resources to consider.
Don’t count on technology or essential resources (safe drinking water, electricity, etc). Be prepared to boil water, go without power, use a generator, etc.
Talk to your neighbors and know who else is staying or leaving.
Start a written list of resources and their contact information (get it out of your head!). Can you stay with friends or family, even temporarily, to rest and let your system reset before diving back into rebuilding?
From this list, begin to assess what resources are immediately needed versus mid or long-term. See the FEMA Emergency Preparation list at the bottom of this post to help you determine what you might have or need.
Evaluate the condition of your documents. Did you lose insurance policy information, personal identification, or other important documents? Make a list of what you have and what you might need to move forward.
Document damage (only when it’s safe to do so!). Think about damage according to structural (the building) and contents (what’s inside/your stuff). If you don’t have good documentation before the disaster, don’t worry. There are ways to reestablish those. Thankfully, most of us take plenty of photos to recreate our content and structure.

Mental Health & Emotional Support

This is probably the most emotionally and physically vulnerable time to ask for help.

Working through overwhelming tasks is much easier if you are not alone. Offer your help in return. Community is vital at this time. Coming together will foster a sense of support and closure for your emotionally taxing tasks.
Reward yourself in some small way. Take a nap, rest, stay hydrated, warm up, or cool down.
Take care and pace yourself. Scream into a pillow, throw something (not at someone), and allow yourself to vent your emotions. Please don’t keep them bottled up.
If you cannot manage your emotions and need professional support, this FREE hotline is available to natural disaster survivors.

Phase Two: Evaluate & Document

Contact your insurance company to let them know about the damage and begin the process of filing a damage claim. You might not think you are eligible for anything if your property is flooded and you don’t have flood insurance. Still, it’s crucial to establish grounds for anything denied or any future disputes.
Document don’t destroy! Anything damaged should be photographed and listed. If battery use is limited, write lists on paper and take photos of specific items as you can. Things like make/model/serial numbers may be necessary. Be careful when walking around when doing this work. If the area has not had utilities turned off or the structural damage is unsafe, it’s best to do what you can from a distance.
Contact utility companies to let them know damage needs to be accessed. Once you know that breakers are turned off and utility access is safe to work around, proceed with documenting damages.
Begin the process of filing for FEMA claims not covered by insurance. There may be general loss and structural issues, and you can file claims for other categories (short-term housing, food/clothing, etc.).

Phase Three: Clean-Up & Mitigation

Once it’s safe to proceed with clean-up, determine the large and small tasks and who can do them.
Hire reputable professionals or enlist the help of mutual aid and community volunteers to tackle things as a team. Categories of professionals might include mold remediation specialists, electricians, plumbers, tree removal services, structural engineers, architects, public adjusters (to help with claims disputes), and other contractors.
Call on friends and family to help you. Seriously, do you know someone great with administrative details or a carpenter who knows what things should cost (without being gouged!)? Now is the time to reach out and call on people, especially those outside your geographic region. They can and do want to help. Maybe you can let them take some burden from you. I’ve done this for friends and small non-profit organizations. I knew I had skills that could be useful, so think about who wants to help you and how they can do so.
Board or tarp up damaged areas to prevent further damage in the days/weeks to come.
Work with volunteers and professional local, state, and federal agencies to begin filing repair claims.
Contact professionals to begin to get repair estimates. You may or may not need detailed estimates to get relief funding, but if your damages are extreme, you will need to hire professionals, so it’s best to get estimates as soon as it’s safe.

Phase Four: Rebuilding or Relocating

You may have initially decided whether to stay or go. What you’ve learned may impact that choice, and it’s important to understand that changing your mind or reevaluating your circumstances is a huge part of moving forward.
If you can stay and rebuild, start with structural and mechanical repairs (engineers/architects, plumbers/electricians, roofing/carpentry, etc.)
Establish a realistic timeline for your living circumstances. If you are in temporary housing, is it available and affordable for the duration? Is it feasible for you to stay until you relocate or rebuild? Is there somewhere you can go if you can’t return to your home? Do you have a budget? Can you find someplace local, or do you need to go further? Is your job remote or flexible during this phase to support you?
Managing your claims (FEMA, Loans, Insurance) can be a nuisance and downright overwhelming for some people. Enlist help for tasks that can be done (partially) remotely.
Pace yourself. Balance work, family, and reconstruction with breaks and rewards however possible.
Break the process into chunks/phases and establish a timeline to help you set goals or see what’s coming. This will make the process more manageable and less overwhelming.

FEMA Recommended Emergency supply kit includes:

3-day Supply of Food and Water (1 Gal/person/day, nonperishable food, can opener, utensils, cooler with Ice & make a game of eating all the food in the fridge-then freezer)-rotate out perishables seasonally
Pet Care (food, medications, bowls, water, leash etc)
Health Supplies (medications, hearing aids, etc.)
Personal Care Items (soap, wipes, toothbrush, TP, etc)
Safety Supplies (first aid, flashlights, lanterns/candles, whistle, multi-tool like a Swiss army knife)
Electronics (cell phone, charger, extra batteries)
Essential documents are ready to go in a water-safe/transportable container (e.g., a Ziploc bag or a small file box); for more information on what to bring, see this post.
Books/music and games are ready to entertain you and your family in case of power outages.”

I am not an expert in this. As you, your loved ones, and your community navigate this process, I’m sure you will find other helpful resources and support. From everything I have heard, mutual aid, community, and loved ones have been the biggest help. If you are frustrated with institutions that seem like they are not helpful, I urge you not to give up. From my understanding, there may be considerable hurdles and loopholes to navigate, but ultimately, there is some reward at the end of the process. For many folks, this is the only financial support available, and it’s not easy, so please reach out if you need help!

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