Hey everyone, my name is Carrie and I’m a single mom to the best 10 year old daughter (Kade) ever — this is really hard for me to write. I’m usually the one who figures things out quietly and keeps going, and I REALLY hate asking for help. And quite frankly If Kade wasn’t struggling so bad with her mental health I probably still wouldn’t ask for help and would just accept whatever comes next…. but I’ve hit a point where I can’t dig out on my own anymore.

Several months ago my GI Bill payments got messed up, and that started a chain reaction I haven’t been able to recover from. I even downsized to a one-bedroom apartment to lower expenses, but the GI Bill got delayed a second time — it’s my main income, so those disruptions hit hard.

I reenlisted in the reserves in June and had to wait 2 months for everything to process and then was told it would take about two months for my bonus to come through AFTER I got paid for my first drill weekend. I was also putting in for full-time orders up on hill air force base. Then the government shutdown happened and put my bonus on hold (they don’t know how long it’ll take to get at this point) and the full-time slot I was trying for was given to someone already on orders.

I had two regular cleaning clients to help bridge the gap, but one got sick and is out of work, and the other no longer needs me. I’ve been applying for jobs for weeks, but as a single mom with a child in school (and struggling mentally), it’s been really hard to find work that fits into school hours.

I’ve used every resource I can — the church, talking with my landlord, asking for extensions, everything. But once you fall behind on everything, the late fees make it almost impossible to get caught up. I am also at risk of losing my security clearance if I can’t figure it out.

I was given a final notice that if I don’t pay the remaining balance within two days, it’s being sent to the attorney for eviction. I need $1,100 to cover the rest of this month’s rent and late fees. I’m setting the goal at $1,500 to give a little cushion for fees and so I’m not immediately behind again next month.

I hate asking for help. Truly.

But I’m doing everything I can to keep things stable for Kade and keep a roof over her head.

If you’re able to help that’d be great.

Thank you for reading, and thank you for caring.

— Carrie