Hi,

I never imagined I’d be writing this, but here we go….

I’m a single mum in Ireland trying to build a very small, modest home for my children, somewhere permanent where they can feel settled, safe and have stability. A few years ago, I bought a small site and worked hard to get planning permission. I’ve done everything step by step, slowly and responsibly, submitted all the fees for percolation tests to be carried out, paid the architect, paid the solicitor, land registry, stamp duty…..but now I’m stuck.

Right now, I pay €1,300 a month in rent. Like so many families in Ireland, I’m trapped, earning too much for kind of support, but not enough to meet the strict lending rules. The bank will only offer me €90,000 a sum that sounds like a huge amount, but it doesn’t come close to covering the essential costs. The site has to be fenced off with concrete posts and mesh wire (€5,735 + vat), the house must be super-insulated, we need a heat pump and air-to-water system (€20,000), and a well must be drilled (€8,000). These are all conditions of planning permission, there’s no skipping them.

I approached the local council for a loan and was refused. I’ve tried side jobs, two jobs, extra hours, selling what I can, at this stage I’ve nearly considered listing single socks online or becoming Ireland’s most underqualified influencer but the reality is, I’m just a mum doing everything I can to give my kids a home.

I’m not asking for luxury. I’m not asking for a miracle. I just want a small, legal, energy-efficient house where my kids can paint their walls without worrying we’ll have to move next year. A place where we’re not at the mercy of rent increases. A place that is ours.

I know times are hard for everyone. That’s why I’m even saying this: if enough people gave just €5, it could genuinely help make this dream possible, i know its mad but what if it works! Every contribution, share or word of encouragement gets us one step further, just a small push to help me finish what I’ve started.

Thank you for reading our story x

Hannah