I am a mother of two beautiful children, a 16-year-old daughter and an 8-year-old son, and I am also the sole caregiver for my 75-year-old mother. For the past four months, my family has been living in a hotel after unexpectedly losing our home. I have been doing everything in my power to keep my children safe, supported, and uplifted, but we have reached a place where I can no longer do this alone.

My daughter, who is only 16, has been struggling deeply with severe depression. She has attempted to take her own life twice, and she is currently hospitalized for her safety. As a mother, this has been heartbreaking to walk through, and I am fighting every day to give her the stability and peace she needs to heal.

My 8-year-old son was born with Down syndrome. He is kind, bright, and full of joy, and he attends Morehead Montessori Elementary School. His routine, his therapies, and his school community are essential to his growth. Keeping him on track while navigating homelessness has been incredibly challenging.

Between caring for my children and my elderly mother, every dollar I earn goes toward paying for the hotel room that is currently sheltering us. Because of this, saving money for a new place has been nearly impossible.

Now, my family is at a critical crossroads. I have finally found a safe, stable home, a place where my children can breathe again, where my daughter can come home from the hospital to stability, and where my son can continue receiving the support he needs. But I need $4,000 by December 12 to secure it. Without stable housing, I am at risk of losing my 16-year-old to the system, and that is something my heart cannot bear.

I am humbly asking for help. If you are able to donate, share, pray, or simply send love our way, it would mean more than words can express. Every contribution, big or small, brings us one step closer to safety, healing, and hope.

Thank you in advance for your kindness, your compassion, and your prayers. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping my family fight for a fresh start.

— Pamela