I honestly hoped I would not have to write this....

If you know me, you probably know that asking for help isn’t something that comes naturally to me. I suck at it. I’m usually the person checking on everyone else, trying to help where I can, advocating for people, and doing everything in my power to make sure the people I love are okay. I’ve always believed that if I can help someone, I should. But right now, that person is me....

### The Situation

I’ve been going through a difficult financial stretch, and despite doing my best to keep everything together, some necessary expenses have become difficult to manage all at once. I’m working hard to get myself back on solid ground, but I’m at a point where I need some help getting through this. My biggest priority is maintaining a safe and stable home for myself and my son. Those who know me best know he is my heart. He stays with me part-time, and making sure he has a place that feels safe, secure, and consistent when he’s with me means everything to me. That is priority #1. I’m also dealing with necessary car repairs and other financial obligations that have added to an already immense pressure. Having reliable transportation is important for being able to work, take care of my responsibilities, and keep life moving forward.

So, with a lot of humility, I’m asking my friends, family, community, and anyone who comes across this to help me get through this difficult time.

### Where the Money Will Go

I’m setting a goal of **$5,000**. My immediate priorities are:

* **Rent and housing:** Getting caught up and keeping my home stable

* **Car repairs:** $500 in labor, plus the parts needed to get my car repaired and back on the road

* **Next month’s housing and essential expenses:** If we reach the full goal, setting aside as much as possible toward the following month so that getting caught up doesn’t immediately leave me in another financial emergency. That's what I don't want.

* **Emergency cushion:** Having a small amount available for an unexpected expense while I work toward becoming more financially stable.

The goal isn’t to have someone else take care of my finances. It’s to give me enough breathing room to get caught up, take care of the things that need immediate attention, and have some time to get myself back on solid ground.

### My Plan Moving Forward

My goal isn’t simply to get these bills paid and continue on as usual. I want to use this opportunity to create more financial stability so I don’t find myself in this position again. Again, I don't want that. Once I’m caught up, my priorities will be to:

* Build an emergency fund so an unexpected expense doesn’t immediately become a crisis. With another impending shutdown this has been a fear.

* Continue working toward a more sustainable monthly budget that allows me to stay current on essential expenses while rebuilding my savings

* Stay current on housing and essential bills before taking on anything else

* Create a plan for paying down remaining debt

* Stay on top of preventative car maintenance so smaller problems don’t turn into major repairs

* Be more intentional about asking for help or communicating when I’m struggling instead of trying to carry everything myself. I am trying to do better about this.

I’m not expecting anyone else to fix my finances for me. I’m asking for help getting to a place where I can take over from there.

And honestly, putting this out here is difficult for me. I’m much more comfortable being the person helping someone else than being the person asking for help. But I’m learning that accepting help doesn’t make me weak, and needing support doesn’t erase all the ways I’ve worked hard to take care of myself and my son. Sometimes we all need someone to help us get back on our feet. I know everyone has their own responsibilities and struggles, so there is absolutely no pressure or expectation to give. If you can’t donate, sharing this fundraiser means just as much to me.

Thank you so much for reading through all this if you did, for sharing, for donating if you’re able, and even just for sending some encouragement my way.

It's definitely appreciated and I’m incredibly grateful. Sending nothing but love your way ❤️