Story

Asking for help like this is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. I’ve always been the one helping others, working hard, and staying independent. But right now, my daughter Brooklyn, our cats, and I are facing homelessness in just a matter of days, and I have no choice but to reach out.

A few weeks ago, I was granted a 1-year protection order for myself, my daughter, and our cats due to safety concerns /abuse we have been going through. The home we have been living in belongs to the person the protection order is against, the day has come we are legally required to leave by Monday. We have nowhere secure to go yet.

I am desperately trying to:

• Rent a moving truck by tomorrow

• Move our belongings into storage

• Find temporary and permanent housing while I work with DHHR and local programs

• Arrange foster care for our cats if needed

This has all been extremely hard on my daughter’s mental health that she already struggles with and the anxiety the trauma from this situation forced her to switch to at-home virtual schooling. Because of all of this, staying in a shelter would be very difficult for her to cope with. I am doing everything I can to keep her safe and stable.

To make matters worse, I do not currently have a vehicle, and we live in an area with no public transportation. This makes getting to a job, appointments, or assistance programs extremely challenging.

I know times are tough for so many people right now. I feel guilty even asking for help, and I completely understand if you cannot donate. But if you are able—even $5 or $10—it gets us one step closer to:

• A moving truck

• A safe place to stay such as a hotel(trying to get vouchers for this)

• Stability while I apply for emergency housing and programs

Every dollar brings us closer to safety while I rebuild and get us back on our feet.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read this, or help in any way. It means more than I can ever eXpress