Help a Family in Need

Hi, my name is Billy Jean and I'm starting this fundraiser for a family - mother with two kids - who lost their father and their home. When he died, his brother fought for his assets. Mom lost everything from a subsequent legal battle. The brother won and forced the family out of their home and I'm not sure about any other assets but assuming since she's now living out of her car with her 2 kids and dependent on the generosity of a few friends, that she didn't make out with much from that battle other than a hefty bill from her lawyer.

 

What I learned of how this could have happened:

Mom was a stay-at-home mom, and managed the father's business finances. He got sick and died before they got married or drew up a will. They never considered the possibility that he would die suddenly so didn't prioritize getting their affairs in order. From how she described him to me, It sounds like he may have been a bit eccentric, yet, successful.

 

I learned this over the course of the last month and a half, as I've been dog-sitting for her with the expectation that once she was back on her feet, that she would return to get her pal. She's conceded that she's in no position to provide him a happy home anytime soon so she release the dog to me to foster or adopt. This was a very hard decision for her to make as this was the father's best pal.

 

In my search for a home for this pup via Nextdoor , many of you expressed interest in supporting this family through their hardship. As a mom, I assume that her priority would be to gain employment and stable housing. Through this fundraiser, perhaps we can put her into a short-term lease (6 months) here in Lakeway so that her kids can continue going to their LTISD schools. Based on local apartment pricing for a 2 bedroom - I've calculated that $25k would cover a 6 month lease plus utility and food. Even if we can't reach that goal, we may still be able to make enough for a shorter term lease, like a 3-month. Hopefully, we can lift the burden of housing and food for a while so she can concentrate on gaining employment and so her kids can focus on school without the stress of being homeless.

 

I'm sure any support would be appreciated and if we can't get her into stable housing, at least she'll have some money to use when she needs it or to provide warm places to sleep during the cold months. I've been overwhelmed with support you've all provided so far in finding the puppy a home and it really warms my heart to see so many neighbors share their love and extend it to this family in need. It makes me so proud to be part of this community. Thank you all!