Help Tina Rebuild: Housing, Food, and a Fresh Start

Hi, my name is Tina. I’m 57 years old and currently facing one of the most difficult moments of my life. After a series of painful setbacks—personal loss, health issues, and financial hardship—I’m at risk of losing my home and struggling to afford basic necessities.

Just over a year ago, I was the full-time caregiver for my elderly mother in South Florida. After leaving a toxic relationship, I moved in with her to help during her final years. When she passed away unexpectedly in April 2023, I lost not just my mother, but also my home, my support system, and any financial stability I had.

With my adult daughter’s help, I relocated to St. Petersburg and began rebuilding. She gave me her savings fund, and I sold my car for a safety net, which supported me until I found a job. I was starting to feel hopeful again. But life threw more challenges my way: I then lost that job, faced ongoing health problems, and watched the cost of living rise beyond my reach. Without a car, it’s been difficult to secure steady work. I’ve applied for jobs online and in-person, reached out to community services, and done everything I can to stay afloat. My daughter's help has been invaluable, but is no longer sustainable.

I’ve used every last resource—drained savings, maxed out credit cards, and cut expenses to the bone. But now, I’m out of options. I’m isolated, facing eviction, and unsure where my next meal will come from. Asking for help is incredibly hard for me, but I know I can’t do this alone.

I’m raising $10,000 to cover:

Housing Stability – $3,300

$3,300 – Rent for July, August, and September

Reliable Transportation – $3,400

$2,500 – Down payment on a used vehicle

$900 – Six months of car insurance (based on age and location)

A car would allow me to take on delivery/rideshare work and apply for jobs farther away.

Debt Relief – $1,850

To pay down credit card balances used for rent, groceries, transportation, and medical needs

Utilities & Connectivity – $415

$110 – Internet (2 months @ $55/month)

$240 – Electric bills (current + estimated upcoming)

$65 – Mobile plan

Technology Replacement – $150–$300

Refurbished desktop computer to replace my 10-year-old device (needed for job hunting, budgeting, and potential remote work)

Essentials & Professional Support – $735

$650 – Groceries, toiletries, medications, household goods, cat food/litter, and hurricane supplies (2-month estimate)

$85 – Professional resume and cover letter writing support

Your Help Means Hope

This isn’t just about surviving—it’s about having the chance to move forward. Every dollar, share, or kind word of support helps me take one step closer to stability. Your help could mean the difference between rebuilding my life—or losing what little I have left.

With gratitude,

Tina