Hi, my name is Mika, and I’m a single mother of six amazing children. It took a lot of courage to start this fundraiser, but I’m putting my pride aside and reaching out to my community for help.

My family has been experiencing homelessness for the past 3½ weeks. I’ve been trying to navigate this on my own, finding a safe space for my children and me to stay. Unfortunately, our situation is complex and urgent.

I’m a survivor of domestic violence, and my children are survivors of sexual abuse by my ex-husband (the father of two of my children). In October 2025, we were notified that our offender will be released back into our community. I’ve reached out to PA Parole to prevent this, but I’ve only received empty promises and no guarantees.

Because of this, the place we were temporarily staying is no longer an option. I’ve been doing everything I can — calling 211, the HELP office, YWCA, and every shelter I can find — but because of the size of my family and my 20-year-old son, we don’t qualify for many programs. I refuse to abandon him, and I refuse to give up on my children.

We recently tried going to Maryland for help but were turned away because we couldn’t prove residency. As of October 29, 2025, we are back in Pennsylvania, staying at a motel that a few kind friends helped us pay for. That help will only last three more days, and after that, we have nowhere to go.

This experience has been emotionally and physically exhausting. I’ve lost my job, our belongings are in a storage unit I may not be able to keep, and my children have missed school due to moving from place to place. I’m terrified that CPS could get involved if they miss more school — and I can’t let that happen. They need me.

My youngest son has chronic asthma, and we’ve had to sit in motel lobbies so he can plug in his breathing machine. We just want a safe and stable home again.

I’m asking for help to raise enough money for:

Security deposit + first and last month’s rent

Basic living essentials while we get back on our feet

Once we have housing, I can return to work and get my children the therapy, safety, and stability they need and deserve.

As a mom, I cry in the shower so my kids don’t see me break down. They think I’m superwoman but right now, I just need a little help to keep fighting for them.

Anything you can give : donations, clothing, food, hygiene products, or resources — will make a difference. (Please, no items with animal dander due to my youngest son’s condition.)

If you can’t donate, please share this link or send any resources or shelter programs that may help us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading our story and for any support you can give.

Mika and Family