Grieving and Facing Homelessness – Please Help

Organized by: Sue Langlo

Written from the heart of: Debbie Duncan

Hi, my name is Debbie Duncan.

This is very hard for me to write, and even harder to share publicly… but sometimes life leaves us with no choice but to reach out.

I lost my beloved mama in May, and losing her shattered my heart in ways I can’t even begin to describe. She was my world — my best friend, my reason for smiling, and the person whose love gave me strength every day. When she passed, my whole world went quiet. I’ve been left struggling with a deep, aching grief — emotionally and physically — that at times made it hard to even function.

What made it even harder is that I endured that grief completely alone. No hand to hold, no shoulder to lean on, not even a hug. No one should ever have to go through such loss alone or suffer in silence like that.

The last few years, I stayed home to take care of my mama. Caring for her was never a burden — it was the greatest honor of my life. I’d give anything to hold her hand again, to see her smile, to hear her voice. Any loss is heartbreaking, but losing your mama crushes your soul. I lost my dad years ago, and now losing her has left me feeling lost and so very alone in this world.

Because I stayed home to care for her, we lived solely on her Social Security, and nearly every penny went toward rent. We struggled at times, but we always had each other — and because of that, we were rich in love and in heart.

Now, without her, I’ve been left with no income, no job, and barely enough strength some days to pick myself back up. But by the grace of God, I’m trying. I’m slowly finding my footing and doing everything I can to find work. It’s difficult without transportation, but I’m applying anywhere I can within reach. I just need a little help to keep going.

I’m proud by nature — it takes a lot for me to ask for help. But right now, I’m terrified I won’t find a job in time to pay my rent for the first of next month. Management has already made it clear they won’t hesitate to evict me, and they’ve shown no compassion or willingness to work with me. If that happens… I’ll have nowhere to go. I’ll be homeless. And that thought truly scares me.

I’m not asking for a handout — I’m asking for a helping hand. Just enough to help me keep my home while I get back on my feet.

If you can find it in your heart to help, no matter how small, please know it would mean the world to me. From the bottom of my heart — thank you.

With love and gratitude,

Debbie Duncan

(Organized by my dear friend, Sue Langlo)