First and foremost, I'd like to thank you for taking the time to stop whatever it was that you were doing to read my story. In a world where time always feels limited, I am truly grateful that you chose to spend some of yours here with me.
In May of 2021, I moved to Monmouth County, NJ to continue my recovery journey. I knew that if I was going to truly change my life, I needed a new environment and a fresh start. I committed fully to that decision and continued moving forward without looking back.
In August of 2024, everything changed unexpectedly. The sober living home I was residing in, located in Bradley Beach, was abruptly shut down after the property owners informed us that rent had not been paid for several months — despite the fact that I, along with others, had consistently paid $800 per month to the sober living organization. Shortly after, the property owners attempted to keep us housed through unsafe and illegal rental arrangements, taking advantage of our vulnerability. Honestly, I can't understand how he was able to obtain a COO from Bradley Beach for A Sober Living, housing 10 women? The rental is listed as a 3bed 2bth Carriage House.
As a result of these circumstances which were completely beyond my control, I became homeless on May 1, 2025.
I immediately reached out to available resources, including NJ 211 and Monmouth County Social Services, but was denied assistance due to being employed at the time. I was told the only option available was to be placed on a shelter waiting list. Determined to continue working, I spent the following weeks staying in a motel — painfully reminiscent of places I stayed during my addiction, except this time I was nearly five years clean and doing everything in my power to survive responsibly.
In order to keep my job, I spent over $2,000 on motel stays. Unfortunately, once Memorial Day weekend arrived, rates increased dramatically. Combined with the diner’s slow season from January through June, I was no longer able to afford the nightly rates, nevermind daily transportation, and basic living expenses. With no safe place to stay, I was ultimately forced to leave the job I had held for four years.
I spent the following weeks moving wherever I could safely lay my head until I was finally granted a shelter placement on July 24, 2025.
When I became homeless, I had no choice but to place everything I own into a small 5x5 storage unit — my entire life, and everything I’ve worked hard to rebuild. While I was hospitalized and then placed in a nursing care facility from November 17 through December 26, 2025, I was unable to make the December payment. Since then, the balance has continued to increase daily, with another payment due next week. I am now being forced to go through my belongings and keep only what I absolutely need, as I can no longer afford the monthly cost. Losing this unit would mean losing not just possessions, but the last sense of stability I still have.
Today, I am still fighting to get back on my feet. I am also continuing to fight for unemployment benefits, which I have been denied multiple times — despite my employer not contesting my claim or appearing at my first appeal. I was told that although homelessness is an unfortunate circumstance, it is considered a “personal issue” rather than a job-related one. Even though I couldn't make enough $ to afford to pay more for 1 week in that motel than the monthly rent I had been paying.
In addition to my recovery journey, I am also a breast cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in 2016, and this week marked ten years since that diagnosis — a milestone that reminds me how much I’ve already overcome and how committed I am to keep moving forward. As David would often say, "It's not about how hard you can hit, it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward!"
Even so, I am still here. Still standing. Still fighting — not only for myself, but for my children. My recovery has given me my life back, and I am determined to rebuild stability so I can continue being the mother they deserve.
Funds raised will help me with:
* Securing permanent, safe & stable housing
* Paying any fees associated with regaining my driver’s license
* Basic living expenses and essential furnishings
* Preventing the loss of my storage unit and the few belongings I still have
Thank you again for reading, for understanding, for your kindness, and for anything you are able to give — whether it’s a donation, a share of my story, or even a prayer, especially a prayer. Every bit of support truly matters more than I can ever express. Watching me continue to progress, which in turn will allow me to help the next person, will be a definite reflection of everyone's trust in me.
Respectfully,
Danielle Collins