Hi, my name is Valerie. I feel ashamed for asking for this kind of help. I’m a single mother of two beautiful boys — my oldest is 7, and my youngest is 15 months old. Just five months ago, we finally got out of being homeless, and I’ve been doing everything I can to keep a roof over our heads ever since.

We don’t have any government assistance right now, and I’m still searching for steady work. Every dollar I get goes toward rent, groceries, and keeping my boys safe and cared for. Things have been tough, but I’m fighting every day to stay strong and not slip back into the situation we worked so hard to escape.

With the holidays coming, my biggest wish is simple — I just want my 7-year-old son to be home with me and his baby brother for Christmas. Even without gifts, having us together, safe and warm, would mean everything.

Any help — no matter how small — would make a huge difference. It would go toward rent, food, and the essentials that keep us stable while I work toward getting back on my feet.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading our story, and for caring enough to help a mom who’s doing her best to give her boys a better life. ❤️

— Valerie