Help the Wrights Move to a Better Place

As many of you know, Will and I have been dealing with problem after problem since we moved into this house, and our landlord has turned a deaf ear and a blind eye to all the problems. We offered to do the legwork and fix things ourselves as long as the cost was taken out of the rent; no dice.

Will and I are both Marines and OIF veterans; we are no strangers to questionable living standards and can deal with most things, but the issues with this house have gone beyond the pale and our landlord and his property management company keep giving us the runaround. The roof has leaked since we moved in, and now we have actively growing mold in my office. From exterior door security issues to old, mildewing carpets to a pervasive, every-room ants-in-the-walls problem since we moved in that we've thrown hundreds of dollars at, we quite simply have to get out of here for not only our family's security, but our family's health.

Unfortunately, moving requires an outlay of cash that we will not be able to put together in a timely manner, between application fees, security deposits, and any other extra security deposits .. and here in the Portland area, first and last month's rent can come out to an eye-popping sum.

Compounding the issue is the fact that Will was just diagnosed with diabetes, meaning that insurance has now become the primary concern for any job he holds. Right now, his insurance through his work covers a large portion of his medical bills, thus tying us to the Portland area rather than someplace less expensive. 

Where are your donations going?

• First - and this is so we're prepared for worst-case scenario, like them not renewing our lease because now we've turned into "problem tenants" - application fees and first & last month's rent + security deposit for a new rental. This is currently averaging about $7,000 in our area, and is wholly dependent on our lease renewal status, how much worse the roof gets, and how fast we have to get out of here.
• Alternatively - and preferably - we would rather buy than rent again. With the housing market frenzy and our inability to waive an inspection if we use the VA home loan, this would give us some bargaining power if we're fighting other buyers to be chosen.
• Third, some of the money will go to costs of moving - the U-Haul, boxes, cleaning, and the like.

Any help you can provide is gratefully welcomed.