My name is Alexis, and I am the head of my family, caring for my three toddlers—ages 3, 2, and 1—and my 17-year-old sister. For the past three years, we have been homeless, moving from place to place, never having a space to truly call our own. While we have found temporary shelter at times, it was never permanent or safe enough for my children and sister. Most recently, we were living in the basement of a house in Newark, but mold began to grow in hidden places, making my kids sick and forcing us to leave. My sister had to come live with me after staying with our mom and grandfather, and now we are all together, trying to get by as best we can.

Lately, we have been staying with friends who were already behind on rent before they took us in. Some tragic events made it impossible for my friend to save her home, and her roommate did not try to help. Instead of communicating what was happening, I found out today by being the first to see a note that we all have just 7 days to leave this house. Without at least my car, my family and I have nothing and nowhere to go.

With winter here, things have become even more difficult. My car recently broke down and needs a new alternator, which means we are stuck with no way to transport ourselves or our few belongings—just clothes, shoes, blankets, toys, and hair products. I am doing everything I can to keep my family safe and warm, but I have run out of options. The funds from this fundraiser will help us secure a safe place to stay, keep my children and sister warm, and hopefully repair my car so we can move forward. Our main needs are housing and car repairs, as well as basic necessities for my kids and sister.

I am reaching out because I have no other options left. Any support you can give will help us find stability and safety. Thank you for caring about our family.