For safety reasons, I am keeping my identity anonymous.

I am a domestic violence survivor urgently trying to secure safe housing so I can bring my two young daughters out of the hands of my abuser.

On April 26, 2025, Our family lost everything in a devastating house fire in Suffolk County. Shortly after, I made the difficult decision to leave my marriage due to ongoing intensifying abuse. When fleeing the home after a DV incident Suffolk County PD DID NOT ALLOW me to bring my daughters (Ages 3&4) with me, stating they "didn't seem to be in distress" I'm now fighting to have them back with me full time. I experienced financial, emotional, and controlling abuse that left me with no savings, damaged credit, and over $40,000 in debt. Leaving me with nothing to fall back on.

I have taken legal steps to protect myself, including filing police reports and obtaining a restraining order.

Right now is the most urgent part: my daughters are still living with my abuser, their father, while we go through family court in Suffolk County. I currently only have visitation because Suffolk PD told me I could not take my daughters with me when I fled the home. Every time they have to leave me, they cry, and it is devastating knowing I cannot yet bring them home.

I am currently facing homelessness. I have been actively in contact with several domestic violence organizations and seeking shelter placement. However, due to my temporary custody status, I am unable to qualify for a family shelter room unless my daughters are already in my full-time care. Without stable housing, it is extremely difficult to change my custody situation—and without custody, I cannot access the housing support meant for families. I am stuck in an urgent cycle.

I am staying temporarily with family for a few more days, but this is not a long-term option. I left my previous home with nothing but a small duffle bag and am starting completely over.

I urgently need help to secure an apartment so I can:

Provide a safe, stable home for my daughters

Work toward bringing them into my full-time care

Begin rebuilding our lives

Funds will go toward:

First month’s rent and security deposit

Basic furniture and home essentials

Clothing and necessities for me and my children

Immediate living expenses while I stabilize

I am doing everything I can—working through the courts, reaching out to organizations, and trying to rebuild—but I cannot do this alone.

I am also starting Nursing school to become a registered nurse this Fall so I can provide a stable, independent life for my daughters.

This situation is urgent. Securing housing is the first and most critical step in bringing my children to safety.

If you are able to donate, share, or offer resources, it would mean more than I can express. Thank you for your support.