Single mom drowning

Hi, my name is Alexis. I’m fundraising for my seven year old daughter, Dahlia, and myself. The last couple years have come with bad luck around every corner. Unable to afford the area, Dahlia’s dad moved to North Carolina to live with his parents. He has yet to get a job, and I receive no child support. Additionally, although our divorce states he is responsible for half of our debt, since it’s all in my name, it is ultimately all on me, around $70,000 accrued during the marriage due to his regular unemployment. I was always fully employed as a teacher during our marriage, and supported the family as best I could. I’m working with a debt relief company, but may need to file for bankruptcy, which is daunting.

Putting that aside, I have to support myself and my daughter. My parents have been a tremendous help, but their patience and bank accounts are wearing thin because of us, and it’s putting a strain on the relationships, which is super disappointing. I wish I didn’t need their help, but I do. I need help.

I recently lost my job due to what I consider unfair reasoning, (I was injured at work, and on doctors orders had to take time off to recuperate. About a week later, I was let go for poor attendance) but California has “at will” employment, so anyone can leave or be let go at any time. That was mid-December, and since then I’ve been searching for a new school that is a good fit, and delivering for Uber eats in the meantime. It’s helpful, but in no way covers the expenses of life, especially living in Marin county. I’ve also filed for unemployment, but frustratingly I found out that any money made is deducted from what they will give you, so I end up making the same amount of money if I deliver for Uber eats or if I don’t do any work at all. I don’t understand why that is, but that is how it is.

I’m trying to enroll in state funded assistance, but the paperwork keeps getting mixed up, and now I’ve been calling for two weeks with no response. I’m still driving for Uber eats because I need money after the reduced unemployment check is gone, and it’s a terrible cycle. And rent is coming up. And bills, and gas, and groceries, and my daughter, who I don’t want to feel deprived of the things she needs, and at least a couple of the things wants.

I’m anxious. I’m stressed. I’m embarrassed. I’ve never had to put groceries back because I didn’t have enough to pay for them. I’ve never had to sell family heirlooms to get cas for overdue bills. Geez, I’ve never even had overdue bills. I’ve never felt so hopeless, and like such a disappointment.

So now I’ve come here. And I’m so embarrassed, and mad at myself, and my ex, and sad and worried for my daughter. I’m asking if you can help us at all, please do. Anything little thing would be more of a help than you know. We’d appreciate it so much. Thank you for reading about our unfortunate present situation, and her’s looking to a beautiful, productive, successful, easy future.