Mom and 5 kids Facing Eviction

What's the situation?

Mary, not her real name, contacted our church on Thursday asking for help to pay her back rent.

Mary is a single mom with five kids, ages 11 months, 2, 11, 13 & 15.     She's been renting this apartment on Horton St. in Lewiston for the past few years.

She's always paid her rent on time, but a few months ago she fell behind because her child support was interrupted. Her ex-husband fell ill, was no longer able to work, and went on SSI disability. During the transition, her household income from her ex-husband went down.      

Her kids now receive some disability because of her ex-husband's illness, so her household income has stabilized. She paid last month's rent on time, and she will have the September rent on time.       

The problem is she has been unable to catch up and pay her landlord the back rent that is due, $432. His patience is exhausted and he is preparing to evict her next week.       

We suggested she try to work out some sort of payment plan with the landlord. Mary had tried that, but the landlord was not receptive.   

Is the need legitimate?       

I spoke with the landlord and confirmed the situation. The need is legitimate.   

You're trying to raise a little more than her past due rent amount. Why?   

We need to raise a little more then her back rent to cover the cost of using this website.       

Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter, or in this case, we're using Fundly.com, have a business model where they facilitate the funding and they take a percentage of what is raised to cover their costs. Fundly takes 3% to cover credit card transaction fees and a 5% platform fee. Comparatively speaking, that's pretty standard.

Why raise the money in this way?       

Currently, our church is not in a financial position to help non-members or non-regular attenders financially with needs like this. But we want to help people and do what we can. We thought we would try crowdfunding as an alternative method of helping folks in need in situations like this.   

How can I help?       

First, please chip in $10. That will go a long way to helping this family stay off the street.

Second, share this with all of your friends (Facebook, e-mail, etc.). If you can do that, the need should be addressed in no time.  

Can I help even if I can't afford to make a donation at this time?

Yes! You can support the family in need by sharing the campaign on Facebook. Pass the word!

Can I make an anonymous donation?       

Yes. Here's a link to a document that explains how to do this:  

http://support.fundly.com/knowledgebase/articles/103648-can-donors-contribute-anonymously

Is my donation tax deductible?      

Yes. You will be making a contribution to our church. Please save your receipts for tax purposes.   

How will the donations be processed?       

The funds will go to our church, Free Grace Presbyterian Church on Canal St. in Lewiston. Our church will cut a check directly to the landlord.