My children and I need help fleeing a domestic violence relationship.


I am a single mother of two, who unfortunately is no stranger to violence. I have grown up with it; from sexual abuse as a child while living with my mother, to physical abuse from my father as a teenager.  I have seen a lot, and I refuse to have my children tell the same story.


At 15, I ran away from home, moving from shelter to shelter. A few years later, when I became pregnant, I was kicked out of the youth home because I was having a child. I moved into an adult shelter, but couldn't even keep a toothbrush, underwear or money, because they would be stolen, sometimes by other residents; sometimes by the staff.  We had nowhere to go, so we lived on the streets and in abandoned buildings. My two children have lived in places where no one should have to.


5 years ago, I fell in love with the man who I am now fleeing. I had thought after all of my struggles, that I had found someone to love me and my children; someone who would allow us to be safe.  He was my refuge, until one day, he turned to drugs. The violence has returned, and every day it has taken its toll on my body, my mind and my heart.


I am ending this cycle of violence in my family. I will not allow my children to witness or experience anymore of this. It stops here. I have left my abuser and moved into my own apartment.


This feels like a relief in many ways, but it has left me with even more to worry about. I had to leave my cashier’s job because he knows where I worked. I have no current income to cover the rent, bills and groceries for my family.


I thought I had gone far enough away, but I’ve seen him walking down my street with his friends, looking for me. I am afraid to walk out of my front door.  I am afraid for my life. I need to move, yet again. 


The cost of moving alone feels unreachable. I have called many public/social services in my area to ask for moving assistance, but have been turned away by every single one of them.  They are out of funds. Covid-19 has taken a toll on so many people's livelihoods. These services are basically tapped out.


So now, I am turning to you. Please help in any way you can. I need to raise money to help cover the following expenses:


1. Moving (security deposit, uhaul)
2. Groceries
3. Rent and utilities
4. A car, so I am mobile and have more job opportunities
5. Childcare for my kids, so I can go back to work
6. A little savings for some breathing room

My beautiful children deserve a more stable life and I am trying my absolute best to give that to them.  I need a helping hand.


I don't sleep much anymore, it feels like the weight of the whole world is crushing me. At this time, we are taking things moment by moment and it all feels so incredibly fragile. This money would aid in getting me on my feet and actually being able to move forward - to rebuild my life in a real and meaningful way. 


A gift of absolutely any amount is beyond appreciated!


Thank you so very much,

Gloria