These past months have brought me to a place I never imagined I’d be. I’ve spent countless hours searching, applying, interviewing — hoping that each conversation might finally be the one that leads somewhere. But after so many final rounds ending with “not yet” or “we’ve chosen someone else,” the days have grown heavier, and the consequences more real.

All the while, the repossession date has been inching closer. December 30th is now looming over me. If I can’t make my mortgage payment by the end of the month, the home I’ve had since I was 21 — the place where my 70-year-old mother and I have built our lives — will be taken from us under a 28-day order. It’s painful to even write that. The thought of my mum, our dog, and our cat losing their home right over Christmas fills me with a fear I can hardly put into words.

Each morning, I wake up with that date in my mind, trying to push through the day, trying to stay hopeful for a job offer, trying to keep going even when it feels impossible. I’ve carried so much shame around the idea of asking for help, but when I think of my mum — who has stood by me every step of my life — I know I have to set my pride aside for her sake.

And so, with a heavy heart, I’ve created a GoFundMe. It’s something I never thought I would do, and the mental struggle to even reach this point has been overwhelming. I’m embarrassed, and I’m exhausted, but I’m also out of options.

If anyone is able to spare anything at all, I would be deeply grateful. I know this time of year is hard for everyone, and I don’t take kindness lightly. I just hope that with the support of friends, my network, and maybe even strangers, we can make it through this and avoid losing our home.

I truly hope I never find myself in a situation like this again. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and I’m truly grateful for any help