Kia Ora, for the purpose of introduction, my name is Kim. I have come to California to leave a violent, abusive relationship of 10 years. Being beaten on a weekly basis and then having to hide bruises became too much. My very last beating was nearly the nail in my coffin. I was hit over the head with a cast iron frying pan, received 42 stitches in my head, 2 broken ribs, a broken collarbone, a broken left leg, a broken arm, and my front tooth was knocked out. I remember the last words he said to me when he dumped me outside the hospital: "You tell anyone and I'll kill your whole family." He said, "See you when you come home," then kissed me on the forehead and drove off. I was in the hospital for 2 weeks, and I spent every moment planning my escape. I worked 15 years as a cultural practitioner helping others, and I can't help myself. I realized I was an abused woman just like my mother. This was my motivation to devise a plan to leave my batterer and start a new life. My story is unbelievable, truthfully, and I can't believe I survived it, but I did. Now, my goal is to survive here in California. No one knows I'm here, only my 4 adult children who live in Australia. I arrived in California on the 16th of August 2024. I had enough money to buy a small, cheap car and accommodation. I assumed that I could come to California and work, and I assumed wrong. I spent so much time planning my escape that I failed to research work permits, etc., and any benefits I would be entitled to here in California. Sadly, I'm not entitled to anything. I could have moved to Australia to my children, but my abuser has family in Australia, so I didn't want to put my children in danger. So, I chose California. So, the money I came over with ran out very quickly on accommodation and paying to apply for the appropriate working visa, which will take time. I have been living in my car for 2 months, eating at food banks, and showering at homeless shelters. The homeless shelters are full, which means I have to sleep in my car. I do have an opportunity for transitional housing, but it will not be available for me to move in until January. I know once I get my visa, I will get a job. It's the time in between I need help with; this is why I have made this page to ask for help. I'm hoping there are people out there that will show me a random act of kindness by supporting my page with funds so I can sleep in a bed and put a roof over my head instead of living in my car. Due to the cold, I ended up with pneumonia 3 weeks ago but could not stay in the hospital as I did not have insurance. They were very kind and gave me the medicine I needed, blankets, and food. Yes, I am homeless, living in my car in a country where I don't know anyone, BUT this is better than being beaten weekly, hospitalized monthly, and treated like I don't matter on a daily basis.