I thought long and hard about even doing this because of the way people are on the internet but at this point, it’s not about how others may feel. It’s not about their judgment. It’s about me and my child’s mental health and physical health.

Here’s a little backstory,

In 2022 I fought hard and long to not come back to Florida to live in this house that I currently live in because of the living conditions. In the end I had no other choice. Living here has taken a toll on both me and my child’s physical and mental health tremendously. I hate to talk about the actual specifics of what the issue is because the last time I did that, I was harshly judged and ganged up on by family members who choose to hide what’s going on. I personally cannot do that anymore .

I’m not going into every detail because the last time I spoke up, I was judged and shut down by people who would rather ignore the truth. I won’t do that anymore.

Since coming back, I’ve been diagnosed with severe anxiety, PTSD, and chronic depression. I’m grateful I had somewhere to land after postpartum, but this house is falling apart. It hasn’t been maintained. It feels like it’s only a matter of time before it’s condemned.

There’s black mold spreading throughout the house. It’s affecting us. The foundation is weakening from termites and rot. The roof leaks. The plumbing and AC constantly fail. I’ve tried to fix what I can, but every professional says the same thing: it’s too far gone.

This isn’t my house, so I can’t make the decision to tear it down. But I can make the decision to leave.

I’m asking for help to get my daughter and I out before things get worse. I’ve tried over and over to leave, but something always falls through. I’ve worked when I could, but without reliable childcare, I haven’t been able to keep a job long-term. Florida is expensive, and I can’t build a stable life here.

I’m exhausted. But I’m not giving up. We deserve better.

However, I have a way out. My sister in Colorado has offered us a place to stay, but I need help getting there and getting on my feet. I’m raising money for travel, moving costs, and a small cushion while I find work (I’ve already started applying). I plan to leave in July after her birthday so my daughter can start kindergarten in Denver.

If you can help (whether it’s donating, sharing, or connecting me to resources) I would deeply appreciate it.

I’m done pretending everything is okay when it’s not. I’m done suffering in silence.

I want to break the cycle I come from. I can’t heal here. I can’t grow here. This place is draining me, quietly and completely. I need to leave.

There are things I’m not ready to share publicly, but I’m open to speaking privately if needed. And if you know of any resources that could help with the house itself, I’m open to that too; my grandmother still lives here and refuses to leave.