I never imagined I would be asking for help like this, but my family and I are living in conditions that are seriously affecting our health, and we urgently need to move to a safe place. I am a mother and grandmother living in Springfield, Illinois with my family, including my 15-year-old grandson and my 16-month-old granddaughter. Right now, we are stuck in a second-floor apartment that has become unsafe for us to live in. There is an ongoing roach infestation in the building, and constant marijuana smoke in the hallways that seeps into our unit. No matter what we do, we cannot escape it. It has turned our home into a place that feels unhealthy and stressful instead of safe. I personally live with COPD, asthma, and severe osteoarthritis in both knees. My health is being affected every day. The smoke makes it hard to breathe, and climbing the stairs to our apartment causes pain and exhaustion. What should be a place of rest has become physically harmful for me. As a grandmother, the hardest part is knowing my grandchildren are living in this environment too. My granddaughter is only 16 months old and deserves clean air and a safe space to grow. My grandson, who is 15, also deserves stability and a healthy home. I have tried everything I can to improve the situation, but I have reached a point where I cannot fix this alone anymore. We need to relocate as soon as possible for the safety of our health and well-being. The funds raised will be used for: • Security deposit for a new home • First month’s rent • Moving expenses • Utility deposits and basic setup costs • Basic necessities during the transition Any amount, no matter how small, will make a real difference for us. If you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser would mean just as much and could help us reach someone who can. Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for any kindness, support, or prayers you can offer. 💛