Single Mom Rebuilding After Housing Instability, Workplace Trauma & Major Life Loss

Hi, my name is Atiqah, and I am a devoted mother to two beautiful children who are my entire world.

I never imagined I would need to ask for help like this, but after years of enduring loss, instability, and survival-mode strength, I’ve reached a point where I cannot do this alone anymore. I am choosing honesty, vulnerability, and faith as I work to rebuild my life and protect my children.

Our Current Living Situation

Right now, my children and I are renting a single room in a basement belonging to someone I believed was a friend. Due to limited space, my children and I share one bed, and we are doing our best to make an impossible situation feel safe and loving.

I also have two emotional support pets, who have been a vital source of comfort for both me and my children through trauma, displacement, and emotional stress. While they help us cope, they have also made securing housing even more difficult.

This is not where I ever imagined my children would be—but I remind myself daily that temporary circumstances do not define our future.

Housing Barriers & Discrimination

While actively trying to relocate into stable housing, two apartment approvals fell through unexpectedly. Based on the timing, lack of transparency, and repeated barriers, I strongly believe housing discrimination played a role. Each denial was devastating—not just financially, but emotionally—especially after finally believing we were close to stability.

I continue to advocate for my family, but the process has been exhausting and deeply discouraging.

Mental Health Leave & Workplace Trauma

At the same time, I was forced to take mental health leave from my job due to a toxic and retaliatory work environment that severely impacted my emotional and psychological well-being. I spent years being dependable, resilient, and hardworking—until my mind and body could no longer withstand the harm.

Choosing mental health was not weakness. It was survival.

How We Got Here

This chapter of my life began long before now.

I was forced to leave my home in Maryland to escape a toxic marriage, starting over with nothing but my children and faith. After losing my job of seven years, both of my cars were repossessed, eliminating transportation and stability all at once.

With nowhere else to go, I returned to my home state of New Jersey, where my children and I slept on my little sister’s couch for nearly a year. I am deeply grateful for her—but that period was humbling, painful, and far from easy.

Still, I never stopped trying. I never stopped showing up for my children.

A Single Mother Carrying It All

I am a separated single mother, carrying the full emotional, financial, and physical responsibility of raising my children while navigating housing instability, legal challenges, employment setbacks, and healing from trauma.

My children see my strength even when I’m tired.

They see my faith when I’m afraid.

They see my love every single day.

How Your Support Will Help

Funds raised will go directly toward:

Securing safe, stable housing

First month’s rent, security deposit, and moving costs

Food and daily necessities for my children

Transportation and basic living expenses

Supporting my children and pets during this transition

Bridging the financial gap while I recover, stabilize, and rebuild

Every contribution—no matter the size—helps us move closer to stability and dignity.

From My Heart

I am not asking for pity. I am asking for support during a rebuilding season.

If you have ever been a single parent, left an abusive relationship, faced housing insecurity, or experienced workplace trauma, you understand how quickly life can unravel.

If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this campaign. That alone helps more than you know.

Thank you for seeing us.

Thank you for believing in our future.

Thank you for helping a mother keep her children safe.

With deep gratitude,

Atiqah