Melinda Shacklette

My name is Melinda Shacklett. I am a survivor, a mother, a business owner, and an award-winning graduate of Friends of Guest House and Together We Bake. I am a resilient woman, but today, I am laid bare. I am reaching out because my daughter and I have nothing, we have no one, and we are in an absolute crisis. For over four years, I was in a relationship with a man who kept his entire life a secret from me. He was doing things I knew absolutely nothing about—things that completely tore my family apart. When he was arrested, the truth came out, and it crippled us. Throughout our relationship, he had total control over my finances. He made it impossible for me to even go to job interviews because he would take my car, refuse to respond to me, and not come home for days. Just as I would start to get back on my feet, the cycle of control would start all over again. To make things worse, his brother evicted me and threw us out. I have been struggling desperately to stay afloat. I spent every dollar I had paying for car rentals and shelling out $800 a week just to keep my daughter and myself in hotels. Now, my money is completely gone. My car is broken down, out of gas, and may be completely done for. We have an urgent deadline of July 24th. All of our remaining belongings—including my kids' things—are in a storage unit. The bill is $100, and if it is not paid by July 24th, we will lose the very last of what we own. Even in this darkness, I am fighting. I just completed two job interviews today. I have my driver's license, I am officially off probation (meaning I am free to travel and potentially relocate to Georgia where my best friend is), and I am ready to work. But right now, we are homeless in Chesapeake, Virginia (23322) with $0 to our names. I need a bridge to help get us to safety. Your donations will go directly toward: 1. Saving Our Belongings ($100): Paying the storage unit fee before the July 24th deadline so we don't lose our things. 2. Emergency Shelter: Securing a safe place for my daughter and me to sleep without the crushing $800/week hotel costs. 3. Getting Our Car Running or Relocating: Fixing the vehicle or securing transport to my support system in Georgia. If you cannot donate, please share our story. I have survived things that would break most people, but right now, I need my community to help me stand back up. Thank you, and God bless you. — Melinda Shacklette Direct Contact Email: ⁠[email redacted]⁠ Alternative Business Email: ⁠[email redacted]⁠

RECLAIMING YOUR TIME AND TRUST: HELP 757 ALLCare CLEANING GROW I have built 757 ALLCare CLEANING on a foundation of hard work and a "No Fear" standard of professional integrity. Today, I am asking for your support to take this business to the next level. We provide high-level interior sanitation through our flagship "757 Standard & Deep Clean Refresh," as well as elite exterior preservation like pressure washing and deck/fence staining. The heart of this business is simple: We live in the same neighborhoods we serve. When you hire us, you aren't just hiring a service; you are trusting a neighbor who is committed to protecting the beauty and value of our local community. As a mother of two and a dedicated entrepreneur, I am working to bridge the "Digital Divide." My goal is to move from manual operations to a fully modern, digitally-integrated firm. Your donations will go directly toward: 1. Professional Expansion: Purchasing industrial-grade pressure washing and staining equipment to serve more families. 2. Digital Infrastructure: Implementing a professional booking and CRM system to provide instant quotes and better service. 3. Official Foundations: Finalizing all state licensing and insurance to ensure we remain the most trusted name in the 757. Every dollar invested in 757 ALLCare CLEANING stays right here in our community. Thank you for helping me build a legacy to pass on and provide a better life for my two amazing children, Ainsley (13) and Nolan (7). This is a family business dreamed, created, and built with reliability—one house at a time! P.S. Ainsley and Nolan send their gratitude as well! As their mother, this means so much to me because it will open doors for them that I may not always be here to hold open. This business will provide them with the stability and support they need to make their own dreams come true. Please help me secure their futures and provide a safe, stable foundation for them while I am here to enjoy life with them. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart! — Melinda