One of the hardest things is asking for help from people you don't know, unfortunately we need to ask. This year has been very difficult for us, oh where are my manners, Good day, we are the Slagle family.

We were literally forced out of our previous home, 3 months ago, and have been looking for housing but haven't been able to find a rental that will work for our family so we have been living in a motel, which has dwindled all of our savings away, and now my husband has lost his 2nd job. Our future has gone darker as we are now facing the threat of being homeless.

I have 3 disabled children, 2 of which are affected with SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) a disease which affects motor neurons. Motor neurons are specialized nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control movement in the arms, legs, face, chest, throat and tongue, as well as skeletal muscle activity, including muscles used for speaking, walking, swallowing, and breathing. This makes my boys medically fragile. This requires a parent to be home with them 24/7. I also have a daughter who has autism and requires protective supervision as well. They need the stability of permanent housing without the threat of being homeless ever again.

Our next best option is to buy something that no one can force us out of for the security of my family, especially my medically fragile children, who need the stability of permanent housing that can accommodate their special needs. Being at the mercy of other people affecting our housing situation is not ideal and even damaging for my children.

We have an opportunity to purchase a home but had to use all of our savings for motels. My husband is looking for another 2nd job...but if we cannot come up with the costs for this house then the future looks like more motel living and/or couch surfing with whoever has space and that's not a long term situation for any disabled child. We have applied and are trying to utilize all the social programs available to us, which is how this purchase opportunity surfaced, but there isn't enough help with the costs to make it happen.

Not only are my children being affected but this emotional roller coaster and constant worry is affecting my own health. The extra stress has put more strain on my heart increasing the concern that I may need surgery. My husband has reached a breaking point too. We are desperate and reluctantly have taken the suggestion of friends to start this go fund me page.

I know money is tight for everyone, and the season makes it even more so, but I ask....even if it's a small donation, if you can help...my family and I would be so grateful and promise to pay it forward someday. Thank you.