I never imagined I would be the person asking strangers for help. I’m a survivor of domestic violence who is currently trying to rebuild my life after a devastating assault left me without stable housing. I was physically assaulted by someone I trusted, and the experience left me frightened, displaced, and struggling to regain a sense of safety. Although he was arrested, he was released quickly, and I remain afraid of being found. Right now, staying in a hotel is the safest option I have. Unfortunately, I can no longer afford the hotel on my own. It costs $107 per night, and I’m asking for help covering additional support allowing me more time to find stable, long-term housing. I’m doing everything I can to move forward, but right now I need a safe place to sleep while I work through this crisis and put my life back together. Any donation, no matter how small, can help me stay safe for another night. If you can’t donate, sharing my fundraiser could make an enormous difference. My son is currently staying with his dad. As difficult as it is to be separated from him, I made the decision that he would be safer and more stable there than living with me in a hotel while I try to escape this situation. That doesn’t mean I’ve stopped being his mom. I still want and need to help with his expenses and be there for him in every way I can. What I need now is a chance to breathe—to have enough assistance with hotel stays, transportation, my son's needs, and basic living expenses while I work toward becoming financially independent again. My dream is to eventually purchase an inexpensive, reliable car and launch my own branding company. I have skills, ideas, creativity, and a genuine desire to build something meaningful. I don't want to live off anyone's generosity. I want to use it as a bridge back to independence. And when I succeed, I want to give back. I'm embarrassed to have to ask for help. But I'm learning that accepting help when you desperately need it doesn't make you weak. Right now, I'm the one who needs help. I've tried to work. I've tried to get ahead. Every time I feel like I'm finally getting my footing, something else happens and I'm knocked back down. I'm tired, but I haven't given up. If there is even one person generous enough to help me get through this chapter and give me the opportunity to rebuild, it would mean more to me than I can put into words. I don't just want to survive this. I want to rebuild my life, become independent and take care of my son. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for helping me through one of the most difficult periods of my life. Mishell
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