Help Denise Rebuild After Illness & Eviction.

Hello, my name is Denise, and I’m a 43-year-old mother of two. Life took a drastic turn in February of last year when I was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. Since then, it has been a daily battle to keep myself afloat, physically, emotionally, and financially.

When I was first diagnosed, I was required to go to the hospital for dialysis twice a week, every Monday and Friday. This made it nearly impossible to continue working full-time as a private nurse aide. I was only able to work three days a week, and at $23 an hour, it barely covered my rent, bills, and basic necessities. On top of that, I didn’t have a car, so I had to rely on Uber or rental cars just to get to work. Most of my paycheck went toward transportation alone, leaving little to nothing for food, utilities, or savings.

Eventually, I was able to start at-home dialysis, which I now do every night for eight and a half hours while I sleep. However, I still had to keep my Mondays and Fridays free for doctor’s appointments, limiting my ability to work even more. The financial strain became overwhelming, and by October 2024, I could no longer afford my rent. In January 2025, I was served with an eviction notice and taken to court. The judge gave me until February 28 to pay all the back rent and start paying again on time, or I would have to leave my home.

I had nowhere else to go. I needed a sterile environment for my dialysis, so I had no choice but to stay and try to find a solution. I reached out to Unite CT for rental assistance while searching for a better-paying job. By early March, I found a new position as a nurse aide closer to home, paying $25 an hour. It felt like a fresh start, I could work five days a week, schedule my doctor’s appointments more easily, and finally begin rebuilding.

But after just one week, the client I was caring for told me she was recovering well and could no longer afford to keep me. I was left jobless again.

To make matters worse, on my last day at that job, a truck’s door swung open and hit my rental car, causing significant damage. I reported it immediately, but now I’m waiting to see if the third party will take responsibility. If not, I will be held accountable for damages I can’t afford.

Then, just when I thought things couldn’t get worse, I received devastating news. Unite CT couldn’t help me because my eviction had already been finalized. I had never received any official notice, but when I went to court to ask if anything could be done, I was told no. My eviction was being executed.

On March 28, the marshal came to my home and gave me until March 31 to leave.

Right now, I have $600 to my name. I am using it to rent a U-Haul, buy packing supplies, secure a storage unit, and pay for a hotel room for one week. But once that week is over, I don’t know where I’ll go. I have contacted shelters, but due to my dialysis needs, I require a private, sterile space, which makes placement difficult.

I am reaching out for help, not just for myself, but for my children. I need assistance securing an affordable apartment and a reliable car so I can work without spending everything I earn on rentals and Uber rides. This would allow me to keep up with my medical care, support my family, and regain stability.

If you are able to donate, any amount, no matter how small, would mean the world to us. Even just sharing my story could help me reach someone who can help. I’m not looking for a handout, just a chance to get back on my feet while I search for work and navigate this illness that limits what I can do.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I appreciate your kindness and support more than words can express.