Hi, my name is Nikia, and I’m a single mom to two amazing little boys who mean absolutely everything to me. I’ve been raising them on my own for the past year and a half — just me and them, making it work day by day.

But right now, I’m in one of the hardest spots I’ve ever been in. I lost my job recently, and while I have a part-time position lined up that fits around their school hours, it doesn’t start for a little while yet. I’ve been trying to stretch every dollar, but I’ve fallen behind on rent and I’m terrified of what’s going to happen next.

Their dad has threatened to take them from me if I can’t pay rent and keep a stable home — and that thought absolutely breaks me. These boys are my entire world. I’ve been the one here every day — getting them to school, making meals, comforting them at night — and I can’t lose them because I hit a rough patch.

Right now, I’m behind on rent and I don’t even have the money to get my car back. I’ve been reaching out to local organizations and churches, but those take time to process, and I’m running out of time before late fees hit and eviction could start.

I’m not someone who likes asking for help, but I’m at a point where I have to — for my kids. I just need enough to get caught up on rent and get my car back so I can start working again and get us back on track.

If you can donate anything — even just a few dollars — or share this with someone who might be able to help, it would mean more than I can ever express. Every bit helps me get one step closer to keeping our home, our stability, and my boys with me where they belong.

Thank you for reading this, for caring, and for helping a mom trying her hardest not to lose everything.