I’m a single parent doing my best to provide on my own, but my car is giving out and I’m falling behind on bills. Each month I worry that I won’t be able to afford both food and rent. I’m asking for help to get a reliable car and catch up on essential expenses so I can keep working and supporting us.

Im a loving mom creating a stable home for my teenage daughter, but I’ve been struggling in silence out of embarrassment. I’ve always worked hard to provide for us, but lately the weight of doing it all alone has become overwhelming. Between my circumstances changing and the rising cost of living, I’m doing everything I can just to keep us afloat. Asking for help isn’t easy for me, but I’ve reached a point where I can’t do this without support.

Two and a half years ago, my children’s father went through a severe mental health crisis, out of nowhere, that not only turned his life upside down but devastated ours as well. I had to seek full custody of my daughter and a protective order for our safety. It was one of the most painful and destabilizing times of my life. Suddenly I was a full time provider, protector and parent overnight. He stopped paying child support, and I’ve been providing for her completely on my own ever since. My parents are in their 80s and living on a very small fixed income, so I don’t have family who can help financially.

I’ve held everything together the best I can, working 6, sometimes 7 days a week, and 10 to 14 hour days just to cover housing, food, and basic needs. I’ve fallen behind on utilities, turned off WiFi, and cut out every possible expense that isn’t essential. I cook our meals at home with ingredients I find on sale and stretch every dollar as far as it will go.

My car has almost 300,000 miles on it. It has a major oil leak, the A/C doesn’t work, the shocks, struts and axle are shot, and it failed smog testing because of repairs I can’t afford, over $1,300 just to pass smog and renew registration. I’m almost a year behind on my tags due to this. I rely on my car every day for work, and without it, I can’t provide for us at all.

I cry my tears in private and put on a brave face in public, but those who know me understand how hard things have become, even though I keep fighting for us on my own.

I’m a praying woman, and I trust that God will provide for our needs. I believe He often does that through others when we’re willing to put our pride aside and ask for help. So as hard as this is, here I am. I’m asking for help to get a reliable car and get caught up on bills so my daughter and I can have some stability and peace.

Every contribution, share, or prayer means more than I can express. Thank you for reading and for caring.