Meet my dear friends, D, M, and their two elementary-aged daughters. They are a young family in their 30s who recently arrived from a country in South America, seeking safety and asylum.

D and M were forced to flee their home due to escalating corruption, organized crime, and death threats following an extortion attempt against D, a skilled professional and business owner in his country. They came to the U.S. with hope, committed to building a safe future for their children.

They spent time in the shelter system in a major East Coast city, where I first met them while volunteering with a local mutual aid group. I was immediately struck by D and M's warm parenting, resilience, and great sense of humor. The girls, with their love of books and playful spirits, quickly captured my heart. We started a routine of practicing English at our local library every weekend, a routine I cherished.

The Move to Chicago

Recently, D and M decided to move to Chicago, where they had extended family, to find stability outside of the shelter system. Things were finally looking up: both D and M secured jobs in the local service industry, and the girls happily started a new school. They found shared housing and were finally on the path to independence.

However, recent enforcement activity in immigrant neighborhoods across the city has created an environment of fear and economic paralysis. Though D and M are authorized asylum seekers and following all legal processes, the pervasive risk of detention has dramatically impacted their ability to work.

Work hours at businesses D and M worked for on have been slashed due to a lack of customers, and the daily commute required to get to work became too dangerous for M. This has led to a sudden, devastating loss of income.

Why We Are Asking for Help

This family is currently unable to pay their November rent. They have followed every rule and taken every responsible step, only to be stopped by external forces beyond their control. They are actively seeking new, stable work environments and have secured some immediate hours for November, giving them a positive outlook for the future, but they need help getting through this immediate crisis.

I am raising $1000 to cover:

Every small amount helps. A $5 or $10 donation, the cost of a coffee, can help us rally these funds and ensure this wonderful family can keep their home and their momentum toward a safe future.

Thank you for supporting my dear friends. Your generosity means they can continue focusing on the girls' education and their path to permanent safety.