Moving to Safety After Surviving DV

I’m reaching out for help during an incredibly difficult time. After surviving domestic violence, and enduring a long and traumatic court battle, I was granted a permanent restraining order and my ex was ordered to move out of the apartment we shared. Unable to afford rent alone, I scrambled to find roommates—and I finally thought I was safe.

But that suddenly changed when they abruptly broke their lease, leaving me with no time to re-rent the space, and no option to stay. While still recovering from a recent hip surgery and living on disability, I now find myself also facing homelessness. I have until October 20th to vacate.

I’ve had to part with most of my belongings and rehome two of my cats, who thankfully landed in a safe and loving home. My senior cat, Zoe—who’s too anxious and fragile to be rehomed—will be traveling with me from Rocklin, California to Hermitage, Pennsylvania, where a family member has offered us safety.

Because my car will be packed with everything I have left, I won’t be able to recline or rest comfortably along the way. Without hotel stays, I’ll have to sleep sitting up in my car—something that could cause lasting harm as I continue to recover. Hotel stays are the only way to make this trip safely, allowing me to rest and care for Zoe each night.

I’m asking for help to cover travel costs and prepare my car for Pennsylvania’s winter conditions.

Estimated Costs

️ ️ Lodging

9 nights × $120/night (average for pet-friendly motels) = $1,080

⛽️ Gas

2,700 miles ÷ 30 mpg × $3.50/gallon = $315

❄️ Winter Car Prep (for Pennsylvania weather)

Winter tires (set of 4, mid-range) – $500

Winter wiper blades – $40

Battery blanket – $40

De-icing fluid + scraper – $20

Weatherproof car cover – $60

Subtotal = $660

Food + Incidentals (for 9–10 travel days):

$25/day × 10 days = $250

Total Goal: $2,305

(rounding up slightly to $2,400 to cover GoFundMe fees and unexpected costs)

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I’m looking forward to safety and recovery, rebuilding my life, and finishing my degree in Wildlife Biology and Conservation—I have a little over a year left to get my BA. Any support will help us get one step closer to a safe new start.

If you can’t donate, sharing this page means just as much. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping us start over in a safe place.