A single mother has stirred up a heated online debate after she created a GoFundMe campaign soliciting funds to fulfil her "dream home" aspirations.
Securing a home can be a daunting and costly endeavour, especially when it comes to making a substantial down payment to qualify for a mortgage. Many individuals spend years scrimping and saving to finally unlock the doors to their first home.
Kara-Louise Hoppo, a devoted mother of four young boys, generated both support and criticism when she posted a request on the "Darwin Buy Swap Sell" Facebook page, seeking donations amounting to $40,000 to secure a new home. Although the post was subsequently removed due to the mixed response it received, other group members seemed unimpressed by Hoppo's appeal.
According to the Daily Mail, the initial post read: "We are in a bit of a housing predicament and I'm manifesting that we're going to get out of those permanently this year. I've found a way, but I can't do it without help."
Hoppo went on to share a link to a GoFundMe page, where she provided additional information about how the donations would be utilized.
In a detailed description of her situation, the self-proclaimed "hippy family" explained, "We are needing to move from the home that we are currently in mainly due to health and safety reasons, in a rental market that is skyrocketing and we cannot really afford."
Hoppo planned to use the donated funds to purchase two demountable homes, which would be installed on a friend's plot of land. This arrangement would enable them to keep their rent low and repay their friend by providing assistance.
The single mother mentioned being currently unemployed but emphasized her commitment to becoming a fully qualified energy healer and achieving complete financial self-sufficiency by the end of the year.
"I am asking for $40,000 total in donations. Or for min. 4000 kind-hearted people to be willing to donate $100 worth of their yearly bought coffee budget," she stated.
She further revealed that the seller of the demountable homes was open to negotiation on the asking price and was willing to postpone the sale for a month to allow the single mother a chance to gather the necessary funds.
However, when local news outlet The Mango Inquirer shared the story on Facebook, it triggered a largely negative response from readers.
"Wow, if only everyone could be funded to get their dream," one person commented, while another wrote: "So... you want us to pay for your house... right."
However, some clearly sympathised with the mother as the fundraising page currently has AU$7,400 in donations, and some who have parted with their money have offered their support.
"Just a small donation but every little bit helps and I truly hope you can make your dreams come true. I read that there were negative comments but all I see is a mum trying to do the best for her kids," one person wrote.
What do you think about Hoppo asking for money to purchase her dream home?
