My name is Donyae Coles and I am an author. My debut novel came out last year. Also in that time I lost my home and left my abusive husband. I had to travel across country to find any sense of stability and although things have gotten better, I am still working towards long term stability.

If you are unfamiliar with my story, here is what happened to me.

I'm reaching out for support to help me weather the next few months as I finish my next manuscript and also go through the process of being approved to be the caretaker for my disabled child. This is one of the many benefits of having made this move. This opportunity is one that I would not have had in my previous state. One more reason that we are so thankful to have moved!

It has taken time to get to the point where we can settle and access such things. This time a year ago, my family and I were living in my friend's living room out of suitcases. With the help of community we were able to find and secure housing which although precarious we have been able to keep. I am hoping with your support we can continue that.

The amount I am asking for is to help me cover rent, first and foremost. I have not been able to pay October yet and as of this writing, November is coming quickly. We also need food support because we are part of the millions of people who will be losing their food support due to the government shutdown.

I have needed a lot of support over the last year because coming back from long term mistreatment for myself and my children is a difficult and winding path. In the absence of the mistreatment we have all had to learn how to just BE and what it means to be ourselves. This involves also relearning our own personal boundaries and needs so that we can all continue to thrive.

This support allows me not only to keep working but also to care for my children as they find their own way. I do not have familial support nor is my ex-husband paying any sort of child maintenance or providing any sort of care for his minor child, let alone the two older ones.

Since our move to Minnesota from Pennsylvania, we have been able to thrive so much. We have slowly regained much of our independence and abilities to exist in the world outside of the home. Our general physical and mental health has improved by great bounds but coming back from long-term abuse like the type we were living in is not an easy or quick process.

Your support will allow me to complete this by my deadline which will lead to greater financial stability for my family. It will also give me the time to set up more networks of support that we're not available to me previously.

Thank you so much for your donations, sharing and continual showing up for me and letting me know that I am not alone in my struggle. Your help is keeping us housed and healthy and allowing us to continue to grow, thrive and find steady footing. Not just for myself but also my children. From all of us. Thank you so much.