Helping my Friend and their Pet Escape Domestic Violence

You know what people really hate? Favors involving money. You know what else people hate? Homelessness! Ironic, right?

You know what else really sucks? Domestic violence. Medical emergencies. Financial ruin. Suicidal ideation and underfunded social services. Some people stay in a bad situation because they can’t afford to leave…

My best friend is that person right now.

My friend has been struggling for a year and a half to rebuild a life with setback after setback. They are scared and ashamed and at their wits’ end. I’ve known them for almost 30 years and like most people, they would never ask for help like this. So, I will. I can’t house them, but I can try to help give them more options than living in someone’s car or returning to an abusive partner. I’m scared for them too, which is why they will remain anonymous until I know they are safe.

A ten-thousand dollar goal sounds like a really, really big ask, but this is the reality of starting over from nothing. Depending on what’s raised, the money will go towards legal fees, emergency vet bills and pet care, moving expenses, the standard first and last month’s rent and damage deposit on an apartment, and a down payment on a reliable car and insurance so they can keep their job. Honestly, I don’t think $10k will be nearly enough, but it will be something. Anything is better than nothing.

You might be asking yourself, as this situation keeps getting more and more dire, why isn’t my friend getting community services? The hard truth is they have pursued those avenues already. Other than getting Medicaid, maybe a free cell phone, and some canned food, there simply aren’t enough resources to go around and the waitlists for real help are very long.

Please help me bring my friend some hope for the future.

Thank you.