Donate to Jen Kouw's Transportation Recovery

Back on April 11, 2025, my car was totaled in an accident. I was not driving and everyone is okay, but my car was declared a total loss. I was 2 years into a 5-year loan, and this means I am in a very tough spot.

We are a one-car family and have been for a long time. I have several jobs to attend to over the week, and having my own transportation is essential.

I had full coverage insurance as well as GAP coverage, but unfortunately, there is still leftover responsibility on my end (not a ton, thankfully).

I have a bit of money set aside for this, and a little more will be coming when one of my jobs pays out for the school year, but I could really use some extra help.

My credit isn't great, which makes financing a vehicle hard to do unless you have a sizeable down payment. I'm hoping to walk into a dealership with $2000-3000 cash to be able to finance the remainder of something (around $8000). I don't want to buy some shady beater off of Marketplace since I drive to so many places.

I set my goal at $600 because I don't even LIKE asking for help. (Believe me, my therapist is trying to help me get over that...) Being this vulnerable and approaching people for money feels awful, especially since so many people helped when we needed help last year.

We've also had to take a couple of cats to the vet, which is costly, and Lilith needs an inhaler that's $177/mo... that cuts into my savings for a car.

I did recently leave one of my jobs due to a moral/financial conflict I had with the company, but I am not without work.. we are working as much as we can to try to scrimp and save... I'm not allowed to trade anything for donations here on GFM or I'd offer. I do take other digital forms of payment and you can message me for that information on the side.

Dealing with insurance, GAP, and the bank has been so hard, and thankfully a very sweet family is loaning me a car for now.

The amount may increase after I talk to my vehicle finance guy, but honestly even $20 helps.

I love you all whether you donate or not, and sharing with people you know really helps too. I appreciate you all for the help you've given me in the past, and I'm sorry I have to ask again! I don't want you to think I'm taking advantage of your kindness, I just realize I have a badass village that might help if I just ask.

Thank you for reading through this, and if you can't donate, please share.

Thank you so much, everyone.

I can't thank you enough for the help you've given me in the last few years. For someone who struggles to accept help, I cannot tell you enough how much I am grateful.

Thank you so much for your consideration,

Jen Kouw