BMD's Journey to Stability Needs You

UPDATE as of 2/22: We have found an apartment! We have secured an 2 bedroom sublet for $1450 a month on Madison's East side. The lease goes until the end of July. We're hoping to get the family settled in over the next few days. Thank you to everyone!

We used the money raised so far for 1st month's rent and a security deposit. We'd love to raise a bit more to pay April rent so BMD can have a little more time to get back on her feet. Please share the GoFundMe!

Imagine fleeing a dangerous situation with only your four young children and the clothes on your back. Imagine crossing a river holding your baby over your head to keep her from being swept away. Imagine finally making it to somewhere safe, with strong community and great schools, only to find a city out of resources for homeless immigrants.

This is the reality for my friend BMD and her four children, now 3, 5, 9 and 12 years old. Homeless shelters across Madison, WI--especially for families--are full and have long waiting lists. She and her kids have been crowded into a hotel room since July. She works a variety of jobs to pay the $50 a night, averaging over $1400 a month--the cost of a 1 or 2 bedroom apartment. Because of language barriers, lack of credit history and lack of savings, she cannot get into an apartment.

I've watched my friend and her housing struggles, watched her kids bounce around from place to place, watched her work and push and try but to no avail. I'd like to raise four to six months of rent for her to pay directly to a landlord up front to help her get out of this cycle of instability.