I assume most of you that read this already know who I am, but if not, Hi, I’m Amber, and thank you for taking the time to read.

I have been a single mom for a little over ten years now. Presently, my youngest son George (12) lives with me part-time. If you don’t know George, he is the most beautifully spirited person, who always is making someone laugh and lives for wrestling and football. Over the years, I have struggled with finding stable housing due to physical and mental health issues and humbly admit that it has been a struggle to get back on my feet on my own. I’ve never had “the village” that it supposedly takes and have stubbornly tried to fix everything all on my own.

About three years ago, I was fleeing an abusive situation and I moved into a barn (yes, an actual barn) that I had since been fixing up. The barn has been a nightmare situation with everything from sewage coming into the bathtub, no working heat, an exterior door that won’t close, and so much more. After three years of trying to make the best of the situation, my landlord tried to raise my rent over 30% (while still refusing to provide a heat source or make seriously needed repairs). Already living paycheck to paycheck, this demanded rent increase left me with no other option but to move.

I ended up getting a little trailer that was a plan and a hope for a new beginning and a fresh start. I knew the trailer needed some repairs here and there and was ready and motivated to get it fixed up and ready to move in. Well, those “few” repairs turned into having to gut and replace all the flooring, joists, plumbing, appliances, and fingers crossed no more than that.

I am hemorrhaging money into this trailer at this point and defeated and overwhelmed. I have a month and a half to get it finished and be all moved in.

Some of the things I NEED to repair/replace before it is livable are:

4 tires

New window

Subfloor

Tub/sink/toilet

Plumbing

Water heater

Fridge

Oven

Grey/black tanks

Flooring

I am very humbled and embarrassed that things have gotten to the point that this dilapidated trailer is my only housing option, but I am doing my best to stay positive. Any little bit helps.

Thank you for taking the time to hear my story -

Amber and Georgie