In September 2025, my marriage fell apart due to dishonesty, hard drug use, and unmanaged mental health struggles. In our divorce agreement (still waiting on finalization), I was granted the house we purchased together back in 2020. Meaning I was also left with all of the debt the house has accrued. Since 2024, our mortgage has been on forbearance due to my spouse being unemployed, and we weren't receiving enough in government assistance to cover the payments along with all of the bills. I am now trying to come up with the funds to be able to start paying that back and avoid foreclosure, as well as make necessary repairs we haven't been able to afford. We also hope to pay back money owed to utility companies, as I have been deemed responsible for the accounts after they were abandoned by my ex.

I work super part time for my best friend’s business, and I’m very grateful for the small income I do bring in between that job and what little I can make selling crochet or jewelry, but it simply isn’t enough. I am also in the process of trying to file for my own government assistance, but because mine and the kids’ SSNs were tied to my ex’s case, I have to wait for that case to be dissolved the rest of the way in order to build my own and be able to apply the kids to it.

I’m currently weighing options between finding a second job or going back to school for a degree to hopefully better my chances of a career to support us. But in the interim, our housing is my biggest concern. I’m a full time caretaker for my three special needs children, so finding the hours is challenging.

I have even looked into possibly selling the house and moving, if that would be easier and more cost effective. But because of when we purchased the house, our interest rate is low and the mortgage payment is less than any rental in the state big enough to house us and our pets. My credit has tanked over the last three years, just trying to keep us afloat.

These last 8 months have been some of the hardest times of my life, and I’m forever grateful to my support system for keeping me going; to my housemate and awesome coparent for shouldering all of this with me as much as she can, and to my friends who have been my rock: thank you. I just want to be able to get back to a place where I can be assured that my kids will continue to have a roof over their head and are well taken care of. They are my world and I would do anything for them.

Any amount in donation helps, and I will post screenshots of the statements of what is owed in backpayments on the house and the utilities. I want to be as transparent as possible with everyone about where their money is going. And if you can’t afford to donate, please share.

Thank you, truly. From the bottom of my heart.

-Salem