Hi, my name is Elizabeth. I moved from Alaska to Oregon in 2018 to start over, get clean from opioids, and rebuild my life. I’m proud to say I'm now clean and sober for 7 years.

When I first arrived, I lived in a rundown 5th wheel, worked two jobs and did everything i could to save money, but the costs for parking, utilities, rideshares and basic necessities made it tough. Then the pandemic hit, and just like many others, I lost both jobs and my home. I kept pushing forward and found a low wage job and a room to rent. I saved what I could, only to learn a year later that the woman I was paying rent to every month was a squatter. The house sold at an auction and I was forced out. I almost gave up on life. With my last $15 I bought a Bible, notebook, a bookmark and a pen — anything to give me the strength to keep going. I held my job, by some miracle, and a few years later I bought a used car for 7k. That car changed everything! It gave me steady work, a place to live, explore Oregon, hope, freedom and finally begin building the life I had worked so hard for. Life was finally looking up.

Then, everything changed.

A 16-year-old, driving without permission, hit my car while my friend was driving it home from dropping me off at a dentist appointment. My car that I worked so hard for was totaled. I worked across town, and without transportation, I quickly fell behind and lost both jobs, then lost my apartment and my storage unit. Shortly after I lived in a tent, moving every 7 days from park to park. Carrying everything I owned by hand — one load at a time by myself.

Today, I’m working again and taking online college courses through UAF, only accepting aid for course materials and paying off previous loans. My job barely covers motel stays, and even then, I'm allowed to stay 14 days and have to be out for 3 — which means I sleep wherever I can. It’s exhausting...physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

I've never been one to ever ask for help, but I genuinely need it now. I'm trying to raise funds to for a reliable vehicle—something that will help me keep my job, stay consistent, and have a safe place to sleep when I have nowhere else to go. A car would bring back the stability I fought so hard to achieve and a real chance to save towards a home again.

If you've read this far, thank you. Even a share helps more than you know. And if donating isn't possible, a prayer is all I ask for. I lost my faith once, but found my way back to HIM during this journey, especially during my recovery. I trust HIS plan now — no matter how hard it gets. Thank you and God bless. I hope your day is as beautiful as your heart ❤️