Cathy’s Urgent Need for Safe Shelter

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Strangers,

My name is Cathy, and I’m reaching out with hope and humility. For the past five years, I’ve been living out of the cab of my semi-converted cargo van, trying to survive against all odds. The reason I find myself in this difficult situation is deeply personal and heartbreaking: three years ago, I lost the ability to walk due to muscle atrophy, Lymphedema, and severe damage to my knees.

Living with these health challenges has made everyday life a monumental struggle. I’ve needed multiple surgeries over the past decade to try to regain mobility, but I haven't yet been able to get the help I need. My current living situation—living in a van—was only a temporary fix, but it’s not enough. Sitting up to sleep has worsened existing wounds on the backs of both my legs, wounds that refuse to heal and threaten my health. The doctors have warned me that if these wounds worsen, I could face the devastating possibility of losing one or both legs. This risk terrifies me, and I am desperately seeking a safe, stable place to recover and rebuild my life.

Beyond the physical pain, I come from a background of abuse and neglect, leaving me with no family support or financial safety net. I am currently living on a small disability income, which covers rent for the new place but leaves me struggling for basic needs like food, gas, and personal essentials. I’ve managed to find an apartment I could move into, but I have nothing to furnish it or cover the necessary deposits—electric, security, and first month’s rent. I am starting from scratch, with very few possessions and no furniture, just the hope that I can finally begin to heal and regain stability.

People might ask how I became homeless in the first place. It's not from drugs, drinking alcohol or the like. I have no addictions. I never touched a drug in my life & I don't drink because I don't like the taste of alcohol. I lost the home I co-owned with a long-time friend because we had a falling out. He left me holding the bag one day & I couldn't afford it on my own. I tried everything I knew to save it but couldn't. God had other plans. I moved into my vehicle. 6 months later I traded in my relatively new car for the van where I have been ever since, in the beginning of the Pandemic.

This journey is about more than just surviving; it’s about hope, love, and dignity. I am a Christian, and I believe in the power of community and compassion. If there is anybody out there who feels moved to help, your support—no matter the amount—would mean the world to me and my loyal little companion. You’ll see him in the passenger seat, my constant companion, who also needs help because of his breed’s respiratory issues. We both dream of a safer, healthier future.

Please consider donating to help me buy furniture, cover moving expenses, and support my transition into a stable, indoor home. Your kindness can help me avoid further health deterioration, prevent infections, and give me a chance to start fresh. I promise to keep you updated with pictures of my progress as I work toward a new beginning.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read my story and for any support you can offer. Your love and kindness could truly change my life.

With gratitude and hope,

Cathy