Help a Florida mom keep two children with disabilities safe, healthy, and in school during homelessness!

My name is Loretta, and I never imagined I would be asking for help like this.

I am a single mother raising two incredible children, ages 11 and 17, both of whom have disabilities that require a high level of care and supervision. Over the past year, our family has faced one challenge after another, including serious medical issues, financial hardship, and now homelessness.

Despite applying for every resource available, we have fallen into a gap that many families don’t realize exists. My children do not qualify for SSI because of their father’s assets, even though they do not receive consistent financial support from him. Child support has not yet been ordered by the court, and our family has been unable to receive food assistance while those issues remain unresolved.

We have worked with our school district’s homeless liaison and local agencies, but there is currently no emergency housing available. Until permanent housing becomes available, our only safe option is to live in a tent at a campground while continuing to keep the children in school, attend medical appointments, and maintain the routines they depend on. We have attempted camping and unfortunately the end result was a Baker Act for my oldest son which has been rescinded by the hospital and transfer of temporary guardianship of my youngest to ensure his safety and well being as a variety of agencies try to assist with providing funding for a long term care facility for my 17 year old son.

My goal was simple: to keep my children safe, healthy, and together while we work toward stable housing. Now my goal has had to change. Any and all funds raised will be used towards temporary lodging, gas in my vehicle, food and personal hygiene items as we continue to wait for a bed for my oldest and to be able to visit my youngest who is now across the state line. Our last option would be car sleeping if our fundraiser doesn’t provide the funds to maintain a motel room.

The funds raised will be used for essential items such as:

- Foam padding and topper for car sleeping

- Safe food storage and basic cooking equipment

- Battery-powered lighting and fans for Florida’s heat

- Water and hygiene supplies

- Fuel and motel fees

- Laundry costs

- Storage bins to protect medications, medical records, school records, and important documents

- Other basic necessities that will allow us to live as safely and comfortably as possible until Caden has been placed we have a permanent home again.

Every donation, no matter the amount, will go directly toward helping our family with temporary shelter, safety, and hope. If you are unable to donate, sharing our story with others would mean just as much.

Donations and how they will be utilized

$10

Drinking water, snacks, or hygiene essentials

$25

Laundry, propane or cooking fuel, and basic supplies

$50

A week’s worth of fuel for appointments and school

$100

Sleeping gear, storage totes, or several days of showering fees at Loves Truck Stop

$250

A portable power solution

Any additional amount will be used to help bring our family closer to safe, stable, and affordable housing.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story, for your kindness, your prayers, and your support during one of the most difficult seasons of our lives. Your generosity will help us create a safe place for my children while we continue working toward the stability every family deserves.

Weekly updates will be posted!