An enterprising young woman has been slammed online for her audacious request that others should help pay for her house deposit.
Emmalee Potter, a mother-of-three from Hillside in Victoria, launched a GoFundMe on Friday after ‘suffering a rough few years’ in which she asked for donations to go towards securing a house purchase.
She explained to prospective Good Samaritans that she has been bunking either with family members or friends for quite some years now.
Now however, Ms Potter is finally in the position where she is tantalizing close to being able to purchase her new home after ‘working hard towards saving’.
But nothing comes easy in life and Ms Potter knows better than anyone: ‘Saving up for a house deposit can be a long and challenging journey.
‘I’m almost at the final stage but I’m short on the deposit so I’m calling on my village. Please help me get over this last hurdle, every little bit truly helps, a house is more than just a place to live.
‘It’s a foundation for the next chapter of life, a space where memories are made, and where I can really begin to feel settled. Your donation, no matter the size, will go directly toward helping me achieve this dream.’
Despite Ms Potter expressing her gratitude to those who were not in a position to donate, saying their ‘vibes and well-wishes’ alone would mean the world to her, many, many people did not appreciate her use of the platform.
‘No hate but you expect people to donate to you so you can buy a house,’ one woman asked.
‘I’m sorry but that is ridiculous. If we are all going to start GoFundMe accounts, I may as well start one so I can go on a holiday to Greece.’
‘It’s a tough time for everyone trying to buy a house, especially with the cost of living, so I’m kind of confused why you’re asking for donations,’ another asked.
‘The first paragraph of your listing says ‘I’m now in a position to purchase a home’ but you’re asking strangers to send you money for the deposit,’ a third asked.
‘Why can’t you just find a place with a lower deposit,’ someone chimed in.
‘If it was a rental bond, understandable,’ a second woman conceded.
‘I wish we could even consider a damn house deposit but we over here living paycheck to paycheck in a rental.’
A few people sympathised with the woman and voiced their support.
‘There is nothing wrong with asking for help,’ one person said.
‘If you were talking about renting it would be a little different than purchasing a house,’ another woman said.
‘It’s not about ‘funding me a house’ it’s the small amount still needed to buy something,’ Mr Potter replied.
‘Me and my kids are living in a room at my friends. Buying is actually cheaper than renting.
‘We’ve applied for over 100 rentals and been knocked back. I can get the home loan and pay the repayments [I’m] just needing the last bit of the deposit.’
While the effort has not yet raised an astounding amount of money, a few people have already donated to the modest total.
As the old saying goes, ‘it’s the thought that counts’.
‘If you do choose to contribute, know that it will never be forgotten, and it will go toward something that will positively shape my future for years to come,’ Ms Potter said.
‘Thanks so much for reading and for any support you may give, whether it’s financial or emotional. I’m so grateful for every single bit of help along this journey.’