A Home for Meaghan

There are so many stories; So many heart-wrenching, touching and worthy stories.
Why should my story matter to you? Why am I writing this when my pride and upbringing tells me not to?

 Because of love; Because of extraordinary people who need extraordinary help; Because I have been given the gift of wonderful friends and great luck along my path; Because this story is worthy too.

The photos are of Meaghan (41), Emily (18), Xavier (17), Olivia (14), Sophia (13), and Aiden (6) and as of 4/16/19, they are homeless. Their house was destroyed due to weather and landlord negligence and we are finally at a point that we need to ask for help.

We would love to buy a house for her and the kids to keep costs down and give them some “roots” but are stretched too thin ourselves to do this, so we are looking for rental space. I’d love to have her near me in Northern Virginia, but the cost of rent is far too high for such a large family. Richmond has more affordable options… Here’s where you come in…

We will use credit cards, proceeds from selling some items and any other funds we can pull together, but our family needs help:

·      We will need to cover the cost of temporary housing for 1.5-2 months so her 3 girls can finish the school year at $2975.

·      We will need to remove the damaged furniture and items from the home that the contractor won’t- still not sure how much the junk removal will be.

·      We will need first months rent and security deposit for a new place. Our family can’t take on a rental payment over $1600/month, so that’s $3200.

·      We will need a moving truck, gas, etc. (My husband, myself, Meaghan and the kids will do all the lifting and moving of the stuff)- costs TBD.

·      Once we find a place, we will need used and new furniture and supplies. Beds, dressers, a couch, lighting, etc. We do not have the means to accept and move donated items at this time, but if you have stuff and can deliver it to an address in Richmond, VA, let me know.

We may also need repairs to her van- ugh :(

Thanks for considering a donation to help Meaghan and her family!

We are far outside our comfort zone in asking for help, but finally, are at a point where help is truly needed. I've included more information below to those of you who are interested or who want more context before donations.

The Backstory
Meaghan is the kindest, funniest most giving woman I’ve ever met - admittedly I’m biased since she’s also my baby sister. She’s a badass “period” (as my nieces would say). She’s a powerhouse of a single mom who is a fierce fighter for her kids and a generous, altruistic neighbor and friend. She has enriched my life and is a major reason I am who I am. She has also gifted me (and the world as far as I can see) with 5 bright and wonderful people. All of her kids are smart and accomplished in their academic pursuits AND kind, compassionate, funny, loyal, etc. I could go on in sharing the beautiful aspirations of my girls, the pressure Xavier is putting on himself to get into military/school and work to support his family, the sense of humor and perseverance Aiden has shown in all of his challenges, etc.! Several of the children have special needs, but I will only speak of the youngest as his needs are more public and have taken on a more prominent impact on how the family has to live/operate.

After going through too many hardships to list, living below the poverty line with 5 children and feeling helpless and hopeless taking help from family for years…

Meaghan’s life came crashing down on her in June of 2018.

Her youngest child is autistic and had struggled with eating and bathroom fundamentals for a few years. In June, he suddenly became lethargic and non-responsive and was rushed to the hospital. After surgery for an impacted bowel, Meaghan was told that her autistic son would now need a feeding tube and regular medications. In addition to being an involved parent, a fierce fighter for their needs, and a generous soul to her neighbors, friends, and family, Meaghan became a nurse and full-time/always near/constant caregiver to her youngest son. Meaghan herself suffers from chronic pain and autoimmune issues, so the very physically demanding work of caring for Aiden is made even more difficult.

Meaghan had been researching the best places for special needs services before the house fell apart. The services in Roanoke are not sufficient and she has had to drive to Charlottesville and other locations to get Aiden what he needs. Richmond and the Northern VA area have some good services, are still somewhat close to our aging father and seem like good choices for relocation. Why stay in a place without adequate services? If you have to move because your house fell apart, why not move somewhere better?

Meaghan would like to take this opportunity to move her family and start a path to independence and successes for her children and for herself. As Aiden gets stronger and higher functioning, Meaghan will be able to work again (and keep her job because she won’t have so many doctors appointments and sick days to manage). We need to find her a place that will allow some comfort for her introverted family and be affordable so that she can get on her feet and support them on her own.

We have pursued services of all kinds and many family members help regularly. The problem is that all of my help is small and serves the immediate need, but has never really given Meaghan a hand UP; a way to stand on her own and support her family. That is what we want and need for her and the children. We know we can’t do that alone.

If you know me personally, you’ll know asking for help is something I almost never do; I would help any of my friends anytime they need it and in any way I can; I am an honest and ethical person who would not write to “scam” anyone; I unabashedly love with my whole heart; I am grateful every day and am certainly grateful that you chose to read this story. I hope that matters as you consider supporting our need and call for help. 

I hope you’ll know that you won’t only be helping me and my family, or Meaghan; you’ll be supporting the futures of 5 beautiful lives and showing them that the world can be a wondrous and supportive place even when it feels it’s most dark and scary. 

Thank You.