From Mold to Hope: Help us Find a Safe and Healthy Home

Hello, my name is Cristina, and I’m a single mom to my sweet 19-month-old son, Laysan. He’s full of joy, wonder, and curiosity — the brightest light in my life, and the reason I wake up each morning with hope in my heart.

Today, I’m reaching out with a humble and heartfelt request: please help us secure a safe and healthy home where my son can grow and thrive — free from mold, leaks, and instability. We need a fresh start. One I simply cannot create on my own.

Why We Need Help

When I became a mother in 2023, the plan was to raise our child together. But life didn’t go as planned. I found myself alone, trying to make our small apartment work for just the two of us. I’ve poured love and energy into this space, but the truth is: it’s no longer safe or healthy for my child.

Over time, the condition of our home has deteriorated drastically:

Though my landlord is a kind person, the repairs are either delayed, poorly done, or completely ignored. As my son grows and becomes more curious and mobile, I fear every day for his health and safety.

The Emotional and Financial Reality

I work full-time — 40 hours a week — and do my best to provide a loving, stable environment for Laysan. I don’t have any family nearby, as they live in Northern Europe. My son’s father helps with daycare costs and contributes about €100 per month for food and essentials, but the daily responsibilities — cooking, cleaning, organizing, teaching, driving, loving — fall entirely on me.

I’m not complaining. My son is the greatest accomplishment of my life, and I wouldn’t trade a moment. But the weight is heavy, and it’s getting harder to carry.

Despite my best efforts, finding an affordable, healthy place to live on this island has been impossible. Rent for even the most basic home starts at €700/month — more than half my salary, and that’s before gas, electricity, and essentials. After bills, food, and basic needs, there’s simply nothing left to save.

I’ve been searching for over two years, but every door feels closed. And I can’t keep raising my son in a place where mold grows faster than hope.

I'm Doing My Best

I’ve managed to save about €7,000 through careful budgeting and sacrifice. To secure our future home, we still need to raise approximately €10,000 more. Every donation — big or small — will bring us closer to giving Laysan the safe, healthy environment he deserves.

If I could move back to my family in Northern Europe, I would. But due to legal constraints, I can’t simply relocate — not without the father’s consent. Unfortunately, he has not agreed to that, and he is minimally involved in our son’s daily life (averaging a short visit every 1.5–2 weeks).

When my son was sick this week, I stayed home from work to care for him. I was alone. And moments like this are why I need to build a better life — not just for myself, but for my child.

The Hope: A Home of Our Own

There is a glimmer of light. I’ve been pre-approved for a mortgage, which means we finally have a real shot at stability. But I need help covering the down payment — the final hurdle standing between us and a healthy, secure home.

Your support will go directly toward that modest, mold-free home where:

I’m not asking for anything extravagant. Just a clean and stable place we can call home.

How You Can Help

If you’ve ever faced hardship or believe that every child deserves a safe place to grow — please consider helping us.

Here’s how you can make a difference:

From one mother’s heart to yours: thank you. For reading, for caring, and for believing that brighter days are possible.

With love and deep gratitude,

Cristina & Laysan