Hello, my name is Tonya, and I'm the mother of five beautiful children. A year ago, I escaped an abusive relationship with only the belongings that fit in my car. With nowhere to go and no family support, I spent nine months living in and out of my car and hotels when I could afford them. I had left my kids with their father, believing they would be safe. However, six months into being homeless, my then 8-year-old son started messaging me, expressing his fears and discomfort. This raised red flags, and I worked tirelessly to secure housing. In July, I moved my oldest and youngest two into a new home in a new city, hoping for a fresh start. But things took a turn for the worse when my daughter, who had been staying with her father, decided to come home. Two months later, I discovered she had been a victim of assault. We immediately went to the police, and an arrest was made. My daughter is now safe, and all five of my children are back home with me. However, we're facing a new challenge. Our vehicle is in my ex's name, and due to the ongoing situation, we're at risk of losing it. Having a vehicle is crucial for my kids' ongoing care, including therapy sessions for my daughter and my son with autism. We also have out-of-state court hearings to attend. I'm reaching out for help to purchase a reliable vehicle to ensure we can continue these essential services. I understand that asking for help may come with criticism, but as a mother, I must prioritize my children's needs. Thank you for considering our situation.

- The Swain family