Hello,
My name is Chanel. I'm 53 years old, a daughter, mother, and grandmother navigating one of the most difficult transitions of my life.
After moving out of my apartment at the end of August, I have not yet been able to secure another home. My belongings are in storage, and I'm temporarily sleeping on a family member's couch while continuing to search for employment and stable housing.
I'm grateful to have somewhere to stay temporarily, but I deeply miss having a home of my own—my own bed, privacy, independence, and a place where my granddaughter and family can visit.
How I Got Here
This year brought challenges I never imagined. After my mother's health changed significantly in December 2025, much of my time and energy went toward helping her through serious medical issues, appointments, uncertainty, and pain. I'm grateful she's still here ✝️ however, this experience has been emotionally and physically demanding.
At the same time, I was trying to recover from financial setbacks and rebuild my income. I invested what little I had into an online business in hopes of creating a new path toward independence. When continuing was no longer financially possible, I closed the business and recovered a small refund.
I continued searching for employment and exploring ways to manage my circumstances independently. Asking for help was not an easy decision, but eventually I had to acknowledge that I couldn't bridge this gap alone.
Where Things Stand Today
I moved out of my apartment as planned when my lease ended on August 31. Since then, I've been staying temporarily with family while working toward having a place of my own again. Things got a little shaky again a month ago so a bit of a setback, and thankfully my mother's health is now more stable again and we have a much better understanding of her medical conditions and the care she needs.
While I continue to help care for her, my responsibilities are no longer as demanding as they were throughout this year. This has allowed me to shift more of my time and attention toward finding employment, securing stable housing, and rebuilding my own independence.
Living on a couch with my belongings in storage has reminded me how much the simple comforts of home mean: a bed to rest in, a quiet space, and the ability to live independently.
I remain actively committed to finding employment and rebuilding my financial stability especially since it's now October and still trying to secure a position. I simply need some help getting from where I am today to where I'm working to be.
How Your Support Will Help
My $4,000 fundraising goal will help with:
- The remaining $1,438 balance from my previous apartment after my security deposit was applied
- Rental application fees
- A security deposit and first month's rent
- Temporary housing expenses, if needed
- Storage expenses
- Moving costs and assistance getting my belongings into a new home
My goal is not simply to find somewhere to sleep. It's to regain stable housing, independence, and a foundation from which I can continue rebuilding my life.
Moving Forward With Faith
I've spent much of this year helping care for someone I love while doing everything I could to keep myself afloat. I've learned that sometimes caregivers need care, too.
I'm still standing, still steadily believing, and still working toward my new beginning.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13
Whether you're able to donate, share this fundraiser, or keep me in your prayers, thank you for taking the time to read my story. Every act of kindness is deeply appreciated.
With gratitude and faith,
Chanel 💜
*I updated a picture showing birthday cards as my birthday was Sept 12th. It's things like this that remind me that...I matter...even when I don't feel it at times*
