Paynter and two friends started ilostmygig.com to connect workers with direct aid. 

When South by Southwest officials announced that they were canceling the festival last week, three Austin residents sprung into action. 

Mary Kathryn Paynter, Luke Lashley, and Shelly Lashley created a website called ilostmygig.com overnight, which aims to amplify the voices of displaced workers and connect them with the aid they need.

Paynter, a She Spends reader, spoke with us about what that process was like, how she and other Austin locals are coping, and what people can do to help.