Hello. My name is CC (Changed for my protection).  A while ago, I made one of the hardest and bravest decisions of my life. I left an abusive environment. For years, I endured physical, psychological, and emotional abuse that broke me down in ways I can hardly describe. I finally reached a point where I knew that if I stayed, I might not survive. So I left the country to escape and start over.

At first, I had hope. I had a small amount of savings and believed I could find remote work abroad. But things did not go as planned. Most employers only hire workers physically located in the United States, and although I am an American citizen, they have told me they cannot hire me for tax and liability reasons.

I have picked up small jobs here and there, but they have been inconsistent and not enough to survive. My savings have slowly disappeared, spent on food, shelter, and basic necessities.

Now, I am facing a dire situation. I will run out of money for food and housing within the next week. Unlike in the United States, local support systems here are very limited. Once my funds are gone, I will have nothing left for food or shelter. I am trying to find a volunteer position to exchange work for housing, but it is the off season and very few are available.

My goal is to raise $1,500 to cover a plane ticket back to the United States and some basic food expenses and travel expenses, so I can eat and begin working again. To make this more achievable, I have registered on several fundraising pages with smaller goals of $150 each, so every contribution from you all helps.

I reached out to the U.S. embassy for help returning home, but they only offer loans for flights, and since I have no means to repay one, that is not an option.

I am ashamed to ask for help, but I left the United States to save my life. My abuser has tracked me before, and a mutual friend warned me to stay hidden, so I cannot share identifying details or photos.

Even though I face homelessness when I return to the US, going back means one thing. I will be safe from my abuser as well as have the opportunity to work without restrictions. That safety and work stability means everything to me.

My plan:

If I can raise enough to return to the United States, I will restart my life through Workaway or other programs where I can exchange work for housing while I apply for jobs and rebuild stability. I am not asking for comfort, only a chance to survive, be safe, and stand on my own again.

Every single dollar makes a difference. Your help means food, shelter, a flight home, and most importantly, hope.

I have tried to stay strong and motivated even as things have grown desperate. I still believe my life can get better and that there is a future waiting beyond this pain, but I cannot reach it alone.

Please, if you can, help me get home. Help me rebuild.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for giving me the chance to find safety, stability, and peace. Anything you can give, no matter how small, brings me one step closer to home.