My name is Trichelle, and after a year of instability, I finally have a permanent apartment waiting for me — I just need help staying somewhere safe for one final month while it’s prepared.

June 2024 was the beginning of a long and heartbreaking chapter in my life. My father passed away after a long battle with cancer, and the loss hit me harder than I could have imagined. At the same time, I was dealing with the aftermath of domestic violence, relocation, and a series of health crises. Under the extreme stress, I became severely underweight, weak, and was repeatedly hospitalized for “failure to thrive.” My legs and feet swelled so badly at times that I could barely walk.

During this period, I was also fighting to keep a roof over my head. Two days before I was forced to leave the house tied to my abuser, I ended up back in the hospital. Despite asking my attorney for help getting more time, I was told nothing could be done. I packed whatever I could into my SUV — only for it to be destroyed shortly afterward when a deer ran in front of me. That accident was the breaking point for what little stability I had left.

Since June 2024, I’ve been hospitalized 15 times, including several psychiatric stays brought on by trauma and homelessness. In a strange way, the hospital became the only reliable place where I could sleep safely. In between hospital stays, I’ve stayed in shelters, hotels, or short-term rentals whenever my SSDI check allowed. Shelters have been difficult for my health, and my PTSD is severe enough that I sometimes cry out in my sleep, disturbing others.

My therapist told me something that really stuck with me:
“Your real healing can’t begin until you have stable housing.”

And now — finally — I do.
A clean, safe apartment has been approved for me, located within walking distance of my support groups and domestic violence services. It is truly a blessing.

I am asking for $2,000 to help me stay safely housed for the next month while my new apartment is finalized and to buy a few basic furnishings so I can start over with dignity. This will help me get over the last hurdle in a very long journey. I want to stop living in survival mode and begin healing, rebuilding, and giving back.

My long-term goal is to become a Peer Support Specialist, helping others who have survived domestic violence, mental illness, and homelessness — the same battles I’ve had to face.

 Any help you can give — even just sharing this — means more than I can express. Thank you for helping me move from surviving to thriving.

FAQ:
Why can’t you stay with your family?
My family has been emotionally supportive, and I’m grateful for them. Because of past domestic violence, I have been extremely worried about putting anyone I love at risk. For safety reasons, staying with family or friends hasn’t been an option. This fundraiser allows me to remain safe without endangering anyone else.

How will the funds be used?
The funds will cover one month of safe temporary housing and a few essential items (like bedding and basic furnishings) so that I can settle into my new apartment once it’s ready.

Why is temporary housing important right now?
My therapist has told me that true healing can only begin once I have stable, safe housing. This final month of temporary shelter allows me to bridge the gap until move-in day without risking my physical or mental health.

Will you close the fundraiser once you hit your goal?
Yes. My goal is $2,000, and once that amount is reached, I will close the fundraiser so that no extra donations come in beyond what I actually need.

What are your long-term plans?
Once I’m stable, my goal is to become a Peer Support Specialist so I can help others who have experienced domestic violence, mental illness, and homelessness — the same challenges I’ve fought to overcome.