Hi, my name is Maryam. I’m a mother of four beautiful little ones, ages 6, 5, 4, and 2. We are facing an eviction, and time is running out! For the past seven years I’ve been trapped in a cycle of abuse of all kinds at the hands of a man who suffers from severe mental health issues and takes his anger out on me and our children.

Now, because he refused to pay the rent, my children and I are facing eviction. I’m terrified of losing the only roof we have over our heads. I’ve tried everything — I’ve reached out to countless organizations and domestic violence programs, but every door I knock on leads to another excuse as to why they can't assist me. It’s heartbreaking to realize how many women like me are left to fight alone.

I've always tried to be an active and giving member of my community. Over the years, I’ve helped rally support for homeless families and individuals in need. I've even taken them in, bought groceries and essentials and given them rides. For more than two years I’ve also been a gardener at our local community garden, and I was recently made one of the coordinators. That garden has become a safe and healing space for me and others, a place where I’ve poured love and care into helping things grow.

But now, I’m the one who needs help. I’m trying to raise enough funds to secure a safe new home for my children — to cover a security deposit, first month’s rent, and basic moving costs. I’m trying to avoid ending up in unsafe motels or on the streets with my babies.

I’ve done everything I can to help others and to hold my family together, but I can’t do this alone. Please, if you can, help me give my children a chance to grow up in peace — to laugh freely, sleep safely, and finally live without fear.

Every donation, every share, every kind word means more than you can imagine.

With love and gratitude from your friend,

Maryam