15 years. I've been a domestic violence survivor for 15 years. My school arranged for emergency housing, and my mom helped me with the deposit. I went back to school and, after years of trying, finally secured a full-time job with benefits.

Fifteen years of survival mode, with so many setbacks - and some victories. There have been many obstacles to overcome, and I wanted to throw in the towel quite often. My oldest child had mental health issues and epilepsy & my younger child is hearing impaired and is neurodivergent - so, it's had its challenges. Then came COVID-19. The children's father lost his life. We had been co-parenting, but his hospitalization and death flung me into a full-time single mom position without the cost spread between the two parents.

I'm trying to put a kid through college and raise a teenager on 40k. We exist on this income, so this out-of-the-blue blessing has me asking for help. Less than a month ago, I was informed of an opportunity for stable, permanent housing for me and my family. I didn't think I'd be approved for the mortgage through Habitat for Humanity. Because of my income, Habitat for Humanity is the only way that we would ever qualify for a house.

The amount and the time frame have this as Mission: Impossible. I probably won't be able to come up with the money, which will not happen for us. It will be devastating, but our apartment complex is not going to be an option in the near future, so I have to try - for my family's sake. If you can, please help my little family move into this stable housing opportunity. I appreciate your time, consideration, and sharing this if possible.