The picture above of when my babies were babies is just one of the things in my house I had to say goodbye to...

So I made a post on Nextdoor asking for help, which is something I would never do. But I'm overwhelmed and exhausted and just didn't know where else to turn. Then someone responded asking if I had a GoFundMe page and could they share it for me. Again, something I never thought I would do, but here I am. Still overwhelmed, exhausted, and desperate and so I decided to create this.

My name is Kelly and my house was contaminated with asbestos due to a contractor error 3 years ago, and I have been in a legal battle, homeless, and displaced from my kids ever since. But I can't keep waiting for a settlement, and since I am also going through a divorce, if I don't get back into my house NOW, I may lose custody of my kids. So I am scrounging up the 55K from family and retirement funds to have my home decontaminated so I can finally have my home back, and more importantly, my kids back living with me again. We have missed our home and living together so much.

The cleaning is happening now and expected to be done by the end of Aug/early Sept. And so here is where I really need help.

EVERYTHING IN MY HOME NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING.

It is devastating to know that 90% of everything you own needs to be trashed. Especially when you are just a kid and your stuffed animals are your best friends.

I just found out that I will need a new HVAC system installed, probably around beginning of Sept, before a 3rd party comes in to do an air clearance test. I have to pay for both things myself. (HVAC = 2-5K and testing = 700-1K). And these need to be done before we can move back in so I need the funds immediately!

Every ceiling fan was removed and will need to be replaced. All appliances and electronics need to be replaced. That means I will need an oven/stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, toaster, and a TV, although I can wait on some things. Right away, however, I will need mattresses, bedding, pillows, and towels. All the basic soft necessities.

I am not good about asking for help, but I am feeling so overwhelmed by everything, I just don't know what else to do. I just want my house back for me and my kids. I want to live with them again. Yes, I've been through hell, but my kids have had it worse. And I had visions of making the house so beautiful for them that it would lessen the sting of losing everything from their childhood. But now, after realizing the cost of everything I need to replace, I'm realizing I don't have the funds to even cover the basics. We will have to make do with the bare minimum and the kitchen still ripped up until I can afford more. I just want my kids comfortable enough that they will want to stay there with me. Being together again is what matters most.

So if you live in Napa, you can go to my Nextdoor post and reach out with items you may have that you'd be willing to donate. If you are a contractor, electrician, or HVAC person who would be willing to donate or discount your services, please reach out. Or contact me if I can help you in exchange for something or as a job, as I am looking to supplement my income. Or if you prefer to donate here, I can't tell you how much that would mean to me and my children. Every penny would go toward making our house a home again.

Home is where the heart is, and if you have the heart to give, you will be part of our home forever. Thank you so much. EVERYTHING IS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!! Much love to you all. :)Kelly