Hi my name is Summer, and I’m 24 years old.

Just a few months ago, my life looked very different. I was working, paying rent, and living independently in California. I was proud of the life I was building for myself.

In July of 2025, my grandmother suffered a stroke in Florida. My mom moved to care for her and I chose to stay behind and continue on my own. I didn’t know how quickly everything would change.

On October 22nd, minutes after clocking out of work, I was hit by another driver near my home. In a single moment, my whole world shifted. I was injured, shaken and alone. - with no family nearby to call by my side. In the midst of that fear, a kind soul I had just met days prior drove 3 hours to be by my side. Their compassion reminded me that even in the darkest moments, kindness still exists.

I tried to keep going. I returned to work determined, pushing through my pain, until my doctor told me my thumb was completely shattered and I needed to stop work immediately and prepare for surgery. I was terrified and without a support system to lean on, everything began to unravel. One by one. I lost my Car, my job, my home.. and I was left with my pets.. I had to make a tough decision.. deciding to send my dog out to Florida to be with my family because it was best for him. - lastly, the kind soul who became my friend was there for me.. but recently as of January, she had lost her place. resulting in her moving back in with family.. and I utterly terrified with no where to go immediately but still faithful that everything will be okay..reached out to a friend in the lower desert. She was able to provide me with a hotel to stay at until Thursday 02-05-26

In the meantime I’ve reached out everywhere I can. Social services, churches, assistance programs, but I don’t qualify for help. Not because I don’t need it, but because I don’t fit neatly into the boxes required to receive it.

Still I haven’t and I won’t give up.

UPDATE 2/14/26

My friend who provided me the hotel had a friend who reached out- offering to let me stay with her as I work on rebuilding my life. I have a safe place to stay however I still need help getting back onto my feet. Any donations will remain saved for a car and stable housing or go towards buying food & genuine necessities time to time like tooth paste.. etc.

I have a plan and a deep desire to rebuild my life. My immediate goal is to get a used car so I can live and work out of it temporarily while saving towards stable housing. It’s not an easy path, but it’s a way forward. A chance to regain my independence and begin again.

This experience has humbled me in ways I’ve never expected. I’m scared yes, but I’m also extremely hopeful. I believe in community, I believe in kindness, and I believe that with support I can rise from this season stronger and steadier than before.

If you’re able to help in anyway, donating, sharing, or simply holding me in your thoughts. Please know it means more to me than words can even express right now. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and being apart of my journey forward.