I never imagined I'd be asking for help with something as basic as a place to sleep. Asking for help isn't easy for me because I've always worked hard to take care of myself and figure things out on my own.

Right now, I need some help getting through a challenging transition.

I'm staying in a hotel in the Charlotte, NC area with my two cats, Lil Bit and Loki. The room costs $520 per week, and I'm asking for help covering my stay from September 8 through October 13, 2026 — $2,600 total. I'm setting my goal at $2,800 to help account for processing fees.

The good news: I have a job

I'm incredibly grateful to say that I have a job and start August 25, 2026.

I'm ready to work and get myself financially independent again. The challenge is the timing. Because of training and my employer's payroll schedule, my first paycheck won't come immediately. Even once I'm receiving paychecks, my take-home pay won't fully cover the hotel along with my basic living expenses.

I'm asking for help keeping a safe place to stay while I get established in my new job and work toward being able to take over the hotel costs myself.

I'm not asking for long-term support. I'm asking for help bridging the gap.

How I ended up here

I came to Charlotte expecting things to work out very differently. Instead, circumstances changed, and I found myself stranded without the financial resources or support system I thought I would have.

Thankfully, a few local churches stepped in when I desperately needed help. Their assistance with my hotel gave me time and stability, and I will always be grateful for their kindness. Unfortunately, that assistance is now coming to an end.

I've experienced homelessness before. In 2025, I lost my home and eventually found myself in two shelters when I ran out of other options. I know how frightening and uncertain that experience can be, and I don't want to find myself there again—especially now that I finally have a job.

Lil Bit and Loki

My cats are my children (aka, kittos) and my certified emotional support animals. They've been with me through some incredibly difficult moments and keeping them safe and with me is extremely important.

The hotel allows us to stay together while I work toward something more permanent.

Every little bit helps

My goal is $2,800, but I don't expect one person to provide it.

$5, $10, $20, or $50 can make a difference.

If you can't donate, sharing this fundraiser can help just as much.

I'm not asking anyone to fix my life.

I'm asking for a chance to keep a roof over my head long enough to rebuild it.

Thank you for reading, sharing, donating, or simply taking the time to care.

I've been knocked down before, but I'm still fighting—and this time, I finally have a path forward.