Hi, my name is Shaina.

I’m a 23-year-old single mom doing everything I can to take care of my little boy. Right now, we’re at risk of losing the small amount of stability we have, but I’m fighting every day to keep us safe and together.

We live in Washington, Missouri, and I don’t have any family or local support here. I also don’t currently have a reliable car or steady employment. We’ve been surviving with the help of local resources like housing and food assistance. I receive Section 8, which covers most of our rent, but I was denied assistance for heating and cooling this winter. Because of that, I’m still responsible for our water bill, electric bill, and other basic living expenses.

At the moment, I’m behind on rent and facing upcoming water and electric shut-offs. I’m terrified of not being able to provide for my son. I grew up in foster care, and I never want him to experience the fear or instability I lived through. I’m here, and I want to always be here for him.

Childcare has been one of my biggest challenges. Daycare in our area costs between $200–$300 per week, which makes it nearly impossible to keep a job. I’ve had to leave multiple jobs due to childcare costs, car issues, or not having transportation at all. Even so, I work whenever I can. I hold onto jobs as long as possible and take on side work like braiding hair and DoorDash. Still, I live paycheck to paycheck once household bills, my baby’s needs, and gas are covered.

I’m mentally drained, physically exhausted, and overwhelmed, and I don’t have anywhere else to turn. But I do have a plan—I just need help getting there. I still qualify for housing assistance, but it doesn’t cover the first month’s rent, last month’s rent, or the deposit needed to move. I’m trying to relocate to an area with more resources, including public transportation, job opportunities, and affordable childcare, so I can finally rebuild stability for my son and myself.

I’m asking for help to raise the funds needed to move and secure a safe home for us before we lose the one we have now. The weather is getting colder, and time is running out.

Please consider donating or sharing our story. Any support, no matter the amount, truly means more than I can express.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart—from me and my little boy. ❤️