Fresh Start for a Single Mom and Two Young Kids

I am reaching out to seek help to create a stable and secure home for a single mom of a 6-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl, who have had an extremely challenging year.

Background: After residing in the same apartment in Millcreek, Utah, for nearly 7 years, Andrea was hit a year ago with a sudden rent increase of more than $500. Despite her best efforts, she was priced out of her home, leaving her to seek alternative living arrangements. For a few months, she and her kids shuttled between their car, friends' homes, my home and hotels. Fortunately, she was able to get into a temporary housing program that allowed her to work and save money for a new beginning in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Moving is not a small undertaking. She earned the money needed to make the move and pay the security deposit and first- and last-month rent on a small place with a little yard outside of Idaho Falls.

However, shortly after making the move to what seemed like a promising new place, they discovered problems such as a mouse infestation and, worse, a toxic black mold problem. It is in the vents and throughout the basement, and, prior to them moving in, there was an attempt to cover it up in the bedrooms with paint. The current landlord is not taking responsibility for the mold problem, even with the previous tenants coming to the house to collect some items and confirming that the mold situation was why they moved. They are not providing Andrea with the necessary assistance or willingness to refund her money to get into a new place. She is having to throw away clothes, toys and other belongings from contamination.

I have helped her get into a one-month hotel rental and have looked into a few better rental options. I am desperately trying to get these two young kids settled and secured. Any help will go toward covering the costs associated with obtaining a new place and renting a U-Haul to get the rest of their items out of storage in Utah.

Worrying about where to sleep at night, providing young kids with security and being exposed to harmful conditions has been unbelievably taxing. Your kindness, generosity and support will provide extreme relief from a trying year.

A huge thanks for any help you can provide.