We never imagined our lives would take such a terrifying turn. Just a few weeks ago, our biggest worries were everyday struggles, like so many families face. Then, a horrific act of violence ripped through our community, and suddenly, our home became a place of unimaginable fear.
A woman was murdered on our street. We had no involvement, no knowledge of what was to come, but the murderer was near my fiancé just moments before. In the aftermath, we were inexplicably dragged into the chaos. The violence escalated, spilling over to us the very moment I stepped out of the car, still buzzing from my college graduation. As my son went to open our front door, he was attacked by a group of almost 20 people, a horrifying mix of teenagers and adults, males and females. My fiancé, chased with bats and guns, forced to run for his life.
In that terrifying moment, my only instinct was to protect my children. We fled with nothing but the clothes on our backs and the terror in our hearts. We ended up in a small hotel room, all four of us, plus our beloved dog, crammed together with everything we could get out the house. It’s been our sanctuary, our temporary haven from the streets.
My fiancé and I have worked tirelessly all week, pouring every penny we earned into keeping a roof over our heads. But after paying for the room, we’re left with just $3. Just three dollars to our name. And today, we can’t pay for another night. If we don’t, we’ll be out on the street, in the rain, with all our belongings. The thought of being exposed and vulnerable, breaks my heart.
I’m not one to ask for help. My pride has always pushed me to face challenges on my own. But these are desperate times, and our safety and well-being are paramount. We are trying to relocate, to find a place where we can truly feel safe again, away from the shadows of what happened.
Any amount, big or small, would be a lifeline for us. It would mean the difference between a glimmer of hope and the crushing weight of despair. Your kindness, your compassion, would help us escape this nightmare and begin to rebuild our lives. Words can’t express the gratitude we would feel. Even a share of our story helps more than you know.
Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for considering our plea.
