Hey! My name is Katy, and I'm experiencing homelessness with my boyfriend in Southern California and have been since March 2025.

We waited awhile until now to reach out for help because we thought we couldve bounced back by now but we just havent and I don't see a clear end in sight. We are seeking financial assistance to help us afford a van or similar vehicle, as this would greatly improve our living situation and quality of life. The timing is also important!! We don't want to be caught in rough weather as the season change because of environmental hazards, like intense wind, potential floods, or wildfire. The risk of all of these are real since we live near a natural body of water and are in a heavily wooded area! Moving our camp and finding new spots to sleep is extremely strenuous. We live in a tent and have been since March, a vehicle would be a huge upgrade.

I will try to keep the story brief and to the point. Many details may be skipped due to how lengthy it would make this, but this is my true and accurate account of my experience.

I lived with my mentally ill mother for a year in northern California and her mental health was only getting worse. She had outbursts that ended with her in a mental hospital and it didnt matter how much i tried to help or support her, she was still malicious. One of the times she was so hysterical during one of her outbursts, she almost hit me with her car as i tried to stop her from driving away because I was worried for her safety. Ive tried to set boundaries with her but she only got more nasty and was actively malicious towards me, going as far as trying to sell our home out from under me, to intentionally leave me with nothing. I overheard numerous phone conversations where she would explain her plan to other family members, so I already knew her plan from the start. I also want to add, this place we lived in was a retirement town and there were absolutely no job opportunities or apartments that would take us, even as full time students. We tried finding apartments and were denied for not reaching income requirements, we looked everywhere for a solution.

Basically the situation was deteriorating rapidly and the only clear option for me and my boyfriend was to get the hell out as soon as possible so we never see her again.

Under a 24 hour period, we gathered our most precious belongings into a u-haul and drove to Southern California with the plan to sleep outside until the foreseeable future.

This was an extremely stressful and painful experience. I had to leave my home and I loved my house. I had a beautiful garden that I nurtured and an expansive art supply collection that I left much of behind. I was full-time in college and was trying to build my skills in ceramics and horticulture but was forced to abandon it.

Now we are in July, 4 months living outside in these conditions is taking a toll on us. What we're needing right now is a boost to help us, and for us that would be enough money for a big vehicle/van. The constant fight for basic needs everyday is becoming extremely tiresome, especially in a time where support is in short supply. We're both creative people who just want to express and create in peace, have a space to call ours, and to have better access to job opportunities.

❤️‍ I love my friends who have done things to support us, like storing my belongings at their home. The support means the world, especially since it feels like we're all alone out here!

Thank you for anything and everything!!! I love you! Peace and stay safe!⭐️