Donate to Ensure a Safe Home for Wendy's Family

Hi, my name is Wendy Torres, and I’m a working educator and mom of two. My oldest just graduated from college, and my youngest—Xavier—is a bright and creative high schooler who is autistic. Like many families, we do our best to stretch every dollar and handle life’s challenges. But right now, I’m facing one that I can’t manage alone.

We recently discovered a severe sewage blockage in our yard that’s backing up into the basement whenever we use water in the house. The county confirmed the issue is on our side of the property line, so the full cost of the repair—which is $7,846—is our responsibility.

Until it’s fixed, I’ve been using a wet vac daily to remove the waste, wearing PPE and disinfecting everything to protect my family’s health. It’s exhausting, it’s unsafe, and it’s no longer manageable. I’ve done everything I can to keep things under control, but this is not a sustainable situation.

I hesitated to create this page—I know many people are struggling, and asking for help is never easy. But this has become a serious health concern, and I need to act before things get worse.

If you’re able and willing to contribute, any amount would help. And if you can’t give right now, sharing this campaign with others would also mean the world to me.

I am a firm believer in paying it forward. So once the goal is met, I will close the campaign immediately. If any additional funds come in before that happens, I plan to use them toward Xavier’s ongoing care or donate them to a cause close to our hearts: the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN).

About ASAN:

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization run by and for autistic people. ASAN is a national grassroots disability rights organization that fights for the inclusion, rights, and self-determination of autistic people. Their mission is to ensure autistic individuals have equal access, opportunities, and representation.

Thank you so much for reading, supporting, and standing with us. Your kindness means more than words can express.

With gratitude,

Wendy