I’m Sara, a single mother of two (10 and 11), a full time student, and a disabled veteran. I recently learned that my landlord will not being renewing my lease this year after 4 years.

In 2021 we moved to Chicago from the suburbs to start a new chapter after being homeless for 6 months. While living in Chicago my kids and I have truly built the foundation for an amazing life. So far we’ve: made friends and built community.

Started therapy!

Survived two hospitalizations.

Adjusted to a new school in a new city after a global pandemic.

I graduated with High Honors from Harold Washington College.

I’m currently working towards my bachelor’s degree in women’s and gender studies at DePaul University and expect to graduate Spring 2026.

I don’t have any family nearby to lean on for financial or any other assistance.

I live paycheck to paycheck on VA Disability while I’m in college. I don’t have a reliable vehicle to drive or deliver for Uber/Lyft/door dash/grub hub, etc. I recently signed up for Rover in hopes of making additional income when I’m not in class or caring for my kids.

Although I have been able to save some money, it’s not nearly enough to move by our deadline of 8/31 now that many landlords have begun moving away from a non-refundable move in fee and reverting to the traditional first month, last month, and security deposit due at lease signing/move in.

I’ve searched high and low. Spent hundreds of dollars in application fees only to never hear back. Spent countless hours scouring the rental sites, including Craigslist, Domu, and the MLS in an effort to avoid becoming homeless again.

Any amount raised will help close the gap needed to pay first, last, security deposit, and any additional moving expenses.

If you got this far; thank you for reading. If you donated, thank you for donating. If you shared; thank you for sharing.

Asking for help is extremely uncomfortable for me which is why I’ve waited this long.

My kids and I appreciate any help to remain housed.