We have known Crystal for 9 months and during that time, have seen her go from being homeless and without her children to in her own space and working two jobs to provide for her family. It seems that with every step forward, something comes along and sets her back again. I have seen this happen to her on multiple occasions and have witnessed the excitement followed by the frustration when the carpet is ripped out from underneath her. She is very determined and resilient and though. I know the ups and downs of life can take the wind out of her and test her faith, especially when it looks like everything is going well and she can finally breathe; however, I have seen her hold very tightly onto a tiny string of faith, asking for help to get to where she so wants to be – in her own space with her twin girls. I know how hard it is to reach out and ask for help, especially when she has received comments from others that have been very judgmental and demeaning, but even through that, she keeps her eyes focused on God and on providing a safe and thriving space for her children.
She has started a fundraiser following news that the place she is currently residing and just moved to will not be able to house her and her children anymore. Unfortunately, her roommates whose name the lease is under, are moving out of state to find work and she cannot afford the space on her own. She has an eviction on her record from a townhome she rented last year, where she was raising her newborn daughters with their father. Unfortunately, the father took the children and left, leaving Crystal to pay the rent by herself. She tried to stay in the home until the lease ended; however, she could not manage it financially and as such, an eviction was put on her record. She realizes that to get back on her feet in her own place, she has to pay off the eviction, which is increasing each day it is outstanding. She created a fundraiser as a step towards being able to rent her own place for her and her girls.