My name is Andrea, and I’m reaching out because my family is facing one of the hardest times of our lives. A few years ago, I tried everything I could to get help with the mold problem in our home—contacting the governor, local housing programs, and anyone who might listen. Years ago, I was hospitalized with spinal meningitis caused by black mold, so I know firsthand how dangerous it can be. My boyfriend is a disabled electrician, and I worry every day about his health and our kids’ safety in these conditions. Despite my efforts, I never got a response, and our home—a double-wide that’s almost 42 years old—has only gotten worse. Now, on top of the mold, we have electrical issues so severe that half the house has no power except for what we can run on extension cords.

Recently, things took a turn for the worse. Child Protective Services came to our home with accusations that weren’t true, and my estranged mother—who hasn’t been in our lives for nearly a decade—filed for temporary custody of my kids. I fought hard to get them back once before, and I know how much they’ve been hurt by all of this. Because I didn’t let CPS in immediately, our home was condemned, and now my children are gone again. My boyfriend owns the property, but neither of us has ever been a first-time homebuyer, and we’re struggling to figure out what to do next. I’ve already missed Thanksgiving with my kids, and I’m heartbroken at the thought of missing Christmas too.

I’m doing everything I can to turn things around. We have a sawmill and could build a new place if we had the resources, or we could make the repairs the codes inspector is demanding. I’m even trying to start a small business to support us, but right now, all I can think about is getting my kids home to a safe place. I’m asking for any kind of guidance, support, or funds. This situation has turned our world upside down and taken away my ability to give my kids a Christmas. I want nothing more than to have my babies back in a safe home, and to give them a Christmas to remember the day they’re allowed to come home. Any help means the world to us right now. Don't even gotta be a donation, I would love more than anything someone to help us with getting set up with a first time home buyers I have no knowledge of how to even go about it. Not looking for someone to sign with us I just need the knowledge of what I need to do cause I'm stupid when it comes to that type of stuff.