The family of five will soon be moving into their first home. Yet with debts to repay, they cannot afford even the most basic renovation or furniture.

A New Flat, But Heavy Burdens Remains

Mdm Priya works as a patient service associate while her husband, Mr Firdaus, is a private hire driver. Together, they support their three young children while repaying loans from licensed moneylenders. They borrowed  during difficult times to cover car rental costs and the children’s needs.

For five years, the family has been squeezed into a two-room rental flat. In August 2025, they finally received the keys to their BTO. It is their step toward stability for their children. “I want to give a house for my kids, a place where they can sleep peacefully,” Mdm Priya shared quietly.

Hungry parents, full plates for their children.

The couple has worked hard to stay afloat. Despite long hours, they often skip meals so that their children are fed. Mr Firdaus keeps his meals to crackers while driving, and Mdm Priya eats only if food is left at home.

They pared their renovation plans down to only the essentials: a small kitchen sink and cabinet for cooking, a simple dish rack, window grilles for the children’s safety and new wardrobes to replace the broken ones. Mr Firdaus shared, “We only do what is needed for our home.”

Current Obstacles

Even with their sacrifices, the family cannot cover the costs of renovation. Their current combined income is insufficient to meet daily expenses and loan repayments. Recent hopes were dashed when Mr Firdaus’ job offer as a logistics driver fell through at the last minute, forcing him to continue depending on unstable Grab earnings. 

They have sought help from different community agencies but were turned away because of eligibility rules. With no family support, the couple has had to cope on their own before turning to Ray of Hope.

Meanwhile, Mdm Priya worries about her mental health. She previously struggled with postnatal depression for three years before returning to work. With the financial stress mounting, she notices familiar symptoms resurfacing. “Sometimes I don’t know what kind of life I am living… why my children need to suffer with me,” she admitted.

No Time to Delay

The family has moved into their flat to support their children’s access to preschool education; they do not want to lose the children’s vacancies in the new preschool.

Without help, their home will remain bare, unsafe for the children, and they will continue sacrificing their meals to get by. At the same time, they must keep up with debt repayments, adding to the strain. Support now will allow them to stabilise and regain footing.

What The Money Will Cover

We are raising $9,393.90 to help the family settle into their new home. This is the order of their priorities: 

– $1,700 for basic kitchen renovation

– $850.20 for window grilles

– $825.70 for two wardrobes (including delivery)

– $6,018 for six months of living expenses:

-> $3,600 for groceries ($600 per month)

-> $2,418 for milk and diapers ($403 per month) 

You Can Help This Family Settle In Safely

Mdm Priya and Mr Firdaus want nothing more than to provide their children with safety and peace. With your support, their new flat can become a real home — one where their children can grow without worrying about hunger or an empty kitchen. 

Every contribution will give this family the stability they have worked so hard for, and the breathing room they need to stand on their own again.