CSUN VITA Student volunteer
waiting for his next client
“I lost my job during COVID and had to live in a tent on a side of a Winnebago with my partner,” said Max Gladden. “Well, he lived in the Winnebago because of his severe medical condition which put him in constant pain most of the day.”
Gladden, who uses they/ them pronouns, has performed drag for more than 30 years under the stage name “Maximiliana.” Most of their income was through independent contracting. However, when COVID-19 first appeared over two years ago, they lost their job and had few options left.
In order to save some money on rent, Gladden and their partner rented out a Winnebago. Unfortunately, do to an acute medical problem, their partner had to occupy the space while Gladden slept in a tent next to the Winnebago.
“My partner has complex regional pain syndrome,” said Gladden. “It basically leaves him incapacitated in pain for most the of the day. I am the main earner in our relationship and there was no way I could hold down a job while also taking care of him and our expenses at the same time.”
While briefly unemployed, Gladden and their partner were unable to receive their COVID-19 relief stimulus checks because of unfiled tax returns. Gladden quickly called 311 and learned about the VITA program at California State University, Northridge.
Max Gladden, Taxpayer
“We filed all of our taxes digitally right out of my tent,” said Gladden. “They were so helpful and patient with me the entire time. I wish I had knew about this program sooner.”
With their taxes filed, Gladden received their COVID-19 stimulus checks. This money would make all the difference in their lives as they used their stimulus payments as a downpayment for an FHA loan for a home in Trono, California.
“With my partner’s condition,” said Gladden, “we were in dire need of space and a quiet place to live. The only reason we were able to get this place is due to the diligent help of Cynthia Montez (CSUN VITA coordinator) and her VITA team.”
Gladden and their partner are looking brightly toward their future. With COVID-19 infection rates steadily decreasing, they hope to be able to perform drag again and find bookings for performances.