Hi, I’m Emma — a mom, a creative, and someone who finally left a long-term abusive relationship for good. I’m currently staying at an Airbnb with my toddler and our two cats after getting out of a psychologically, emotionally, financially, and physically unsafe environment. This GoFundMe is to help cover temporary housing and essentials and help me rebuild the life I’ve been trying to create for me and my son.

Why I Left

This wasn’t impulsive. It wasn’t out of the blue. I’ve tried to leave several times over the past two years. Once, I made it out. Twice, I didn’t even make it out of the driveway.

This time, something shifted. I wasn’t just emotionally unsafe, I was physically scared to go to sleep. I didn’t feel safe in my own bed and I could not rest. I have been living in a constant state of fight or flight for the past 2 years. The psychological and emotionally abusive environment has taken a toll on my son and I. I won't suffer in silence anymore. So I grabbed what I could, brought my son and the cats, and we left.

What I’m Asking For

I’m asking for $8,500 to help with:

- Temporary housing while I continue to build a long-term plan

- Essentials for me, my son, and our two cats

- Legal fees and safety planning

- Space to finish building a digital product I’ve been working on to create long-term financial independence. That was quietly in the works to help me get out of this situation once our lease was up in June.

I’m not asking for a handout. I’ve been quietly building something that can help others too — a tool for overwhelmed moms and creators like me. But building that while raising a toddler and surviving this environment hasn’t been easy. I’ve done what I can with what I had, and now I need help to take the next step.

Why This Is Urgent

I’m staying in a temporary Airbnb. It’s not permanent. I’ve called the shelters. I’ve called the hotlines. There are waitlists. And even if I qualified, I would only take that spot if I absolutely had to because I can use my voice and speak up, and so many other victims can’t. I don’t want to take a bed from someone who has no other option.

So I’m speaking up now. I’m done suffering in silence. I’m asking for help so I can give my son the stable life he deserves — not one rooted in fear, tension, or survival mode.

If you feel led to support us, thank you. Every dollar, every share, every kind message matters more than you know.

Thank you for reading this. Thank you for believing me.

Emma