Help a Brave Mom and Daughter Find a Safe Home
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Help a Brave Mom and Her Little Girl Find a Safe Home
Nine months ago, I met a woman selling cookies on the street with her 6-year-old daughter. All I wanted that day was to buy a snack and have a quick chat - but that small moment changed my life forever.
This brave mom is 40 years old and works tirelessly, selling sodas and snacks on the street to make just $10-$30 a day. Despite the odds, she ensures her daughter is in school and cared for. Her little girl is one of the happiest, most spirited children I’ve ever met. Her smile lights up the room, and everyone who meets her adores her.
Our Journey Together
What started as small acts of kindness - bringing chicken nuggets from Chick-Fil A or weekly groceries - quickly turned into a close bond. Over the past nine months, I’ve shared countless moments with them: visits to parks, museums, animal rescues, concerts, helping with homework, learning the ABCs, and just enjoying life’s little joys. The girl knows me as her godfather, a role I’ve promised to fulfill for her throughout her life.
But behind the smiles and laughter are real struggles. When I first met them, they were sleeping on the floor of a tiny apartment. The little girl often woke up complaining that her bones hurt. I bought them a foldable bed to ease their discomfort, but the challenges didn’t stop there. They’ve faced unsafe living conditions, theft, and even moments of danger on the streets.
To give them stability, I made the difficult decision to move them into my small studio apartment. While it’s been a rewarding experience, it’s also been financially and emotionally overwhelming.
But at least my apartment finally has a feminine touch: rainbows in every corner, purses galore, & obviously pink unicorns everywhere.
Why I’m Asking for Help
Scary things are happening just outside our doors that I thought were only the stuff of movies or books, things you just hear about but that never actually happen. Realities like theft, abuse, and even human trafficking are things I have seen in motion first hand now - and we’ve had several close calls and a few tear-filled, sleepless nights.
My plan was to leave LA earlier this year. I am homesick and ready to leave. I have begun to feel lost out here. They are the only reason I am still here. But I don’t know how much longer I can stay. I feel torn in two. I care deeply for them and my greatest fear is leaving the little girl who has stolen my heart, but I also need a change. And I need my family. I need my mom.
I want to give them the chance at a stable, safe life, even if I am not here with them.
Goal Breakdown
The goal is to raise $6,800 to:
- Secure a down payment and a few months’ rent for a small apartment. ($5,000)
- Provide essential groceries and necessities while the mom works to establish steady income ($1,600)
- Winter clothes as the mother is often on the street selling her products. ($200)
- BONUS: And not gonna lie, I might just have to buy a couple Christmas gifts as well…get ready Rudolph!
This little girl has big dreams - she wants to become a lawyer to help others. Your support can help her mom find stable work and give her the opportunity to thrive in school and beyond.
How You Can Help
Any contribution - big or small - will make a life-changing difference. Even if you can’t donate, sharing this campaign with your friends and family can go a long way.
If you’re in the LA area and know of work opportunities or housing resources, or ANYTHING you think may be helpful, please reach out to me directly. This mom is eager to work hard and create a better life for her daughter.
Many people requested an Amazon Wish list. I know some people would rather send tangible gifts than money, so here you go and thank you!
Day to day needs:
Christmas list:
Thank You
This is about helping two people find safety, stability, and hope. Thank you for taking the time to read their story. Your kindness and generosity mean the world to me, and to them.
With gratitude,
Steve
Final Note
I wish I could share photos and videos of some of the above moments, as I have hundreds of beautiful ones. Even just one photo of the little girl’s smile could easily replace every word here. I would love to share even just the names of my roommates, but their family wishes to keep their privacy and I must respect that. But please enjoy some art this special girl made.
Organizer
Stephen Schlager
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA