Hi,

My name is Karen, and I am helping my friend get her crowdfund on the platform as she is currently unable to post on the Gofundme platform. She has had a major impact not only on me, but on the lives of hundreds of folks in the Atlanta and the Regional South community. For safety purposes, and to avoid future targeting, we would like to keep her identity anonymous, but some of you may know she is the sweetest and the most considerate in our social circles. I can't wait for things to turn around for her. In the meantime here are her sentiments:

¨Hello friends. I am in a difficult space that I’d never thought I’d reach.

I had a car accident in late 2022 that pushed me into an incredible hardship. Thankfully, my husband, family, and friends were there with the support that I needed. Slowly, cars were fixed out of pocket, the hospital and lawyer bills were paid, but the many debts and fees remain. I worked multiple jobs throughout the year and tried to live a dignified life to get out of this financial hole that I am still not out of. In December of 2023, I was let go from my full time position, a job I loved, due to my work permit expiring. My DACA and Employment Authorization renewal applications have been under review for months now, and as of today, there has been no update on a legal way to work and provide for myself. On the evening of January 28th, 2024, my car was stolen and then recovered with damages. I do not know how many more losses I can take. My husband and family have been through enough with my hardships, therefore, I am reaching out to my community for wide support to help me stay afloat while I work to find solutions to my financial setbacks. Bills will continue to arrive and of today, January 31st, my car has been deemed a total loss from damages. I plan to sell for scrap to make ends meet and save for another mode of transportation.

I am horrified, embarrassed, and honestly exhausted to be in such a position. I want to be strong. I want to just pull myself up by my bootstraps. All I want is to go back to work to independently move forward, but even that is made harder and scarier as an undocumented person who is trying to do everything by legal means. In all of this, some in my community are making me realize that by holding onto my pride, wiping out my savings, and leaning mostly on my husband, I am not going to help myself or my loved ones get out of this in a healthy and timely manner. I full-heartedly appreciate any and all help, whether it’s a donation, a share, or paid work. Thank you, thank you.¨