My name is Christina, and I’m reaching out for help for myself and my 7-year-old son, Thomas. The past two years have been a whirlwind of loss and uncertainty for us. After my mother passed away, we sold her house and split the proceeds with my sibling. I thought we were on the path to stability—I had an apartment lined up, Thomas was enrolled in school, and we were ready to start fresh in a new neighborhood. But when our new landlord took our security deposit and disappeared, everything fell apart. We spent the summer living in hotels, using what little money we had left on food, school clothes, and basic needs. In the blink of an eye, our savings were gone, and we found ourselves homeless and penniless just as Thomas was about to start second grade.

On November 3rd, I was approved for Social Security Disability, but New York State allows up to 90 days before payments begin. We have about four weeks left before we receive any support, and until then, we have nothing to fall back on. I’ve done everything I can—set up direct deposit, faxed all the paperwork, and spoken with advocates—but we’re still waiting. Any help we receive from DSS will have to be paid back in full once my benefits start, so we’re truly stuck in limbo.

Thomas’s 8th birthday is coming up on January 8th, and he deserves a celebration after all he’s endured. He’s a good, smart, and resilient boy who has faced more loss and upheaval than any child should. He doesn’t ask for much, but this year, he’s hoping for a birthday party with his classmates. The school has a rule that you invite everyone or no one, and with 21 kids in his class, it’s a big expense I just can’t manage right now. I want to give him this one special day—a day where he can just be a kid and feel joy, even if only for a little while.

Those who know Thomas know the hardships he’s faced—the loss, the constant upheaval, and the strength he’s shown. I am asking for help to give him one special day and to help us get through these last few weeks until we’re financially stable. Please, help us save the day for Thomas. Love, his Mommy.