My name is Chavela Madamba, and reaching out for help is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. After 27 years of marriage, I went through a difficult divorce due to severe domestic violence. For nearly 15 years, my family and I lived overseas as part of a military family, where I was a full-time mom, caretaker to my three children (one with special needs), and homemaker. Because of this, I didn’t have the chance to build a career or professional skills, and when we returned to the U.S. in 2014, I struggled to find a job that paid a livable wage.

Since my divorce, I have faced continuous financial challenges. I live with severe PTSD, ADHD, anxiety, fibromyalgia, kidney issues, and chronic migraines, all of which make it difficult to maintain steady work. Earlier this year, my child support ended, and my ex-husband stopped paying alimony, which was nearly half of my monthly income. Despite working extra hours and exhausting every possible resource, I am now at risk of losing my home. My ex has also filed to terminate alimony, and I need legal help to fight for what is rightfully mine. I have already wiped out my 401K trying to make ends meet, and I am genuinely afraid of having to live in my car.

I am humbly asking for help to pay my rent and secure legal representation so I can keep a roof over my head and protect my family. If I don’t pay my rent by December 5th, eviction proceedings will begin. Any donation, prayer, or kind word would mean the world to me and my family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support.