On January 27th, 1992 my mother passed away. She had a stroke
and a bad heart. Everything went down hill, I let some people stay with us that
I should not have, I had big problems. Things got out of hand. My daughter got
pregnant at the age of 14. The rent was very high, and my daughter in her grief
caused some serious damage to the apartment. I did not have the money to pay for
it, so we had to move.
We got evicted in June. She stayed with friends with the baby and I lived on the
streets. I slept in the park even when it was raining, I stayed wet and I got
sick. My daughter was very worried about me. We spent time at Richmond Rescue
Mission. We stayed in hotels when we could afford it. I was hurt and angry and
mad and asked, "Why me?"
Now I knew how other people felt when they don't have a place to stay. Then we
went into Women’s Refuge. They put us out because my daughter was half an hour
late one day. After awhile, I was let into the women's refuge transitional
house. We were there for two years. My time ran out and it was back to hotels.
The house manager let us back into the transitional house. In 2000, women's
refuge lost the transitional house and everybody had to leave.
Someone at St. Vincent De Paul helped us and talked to a case manager at
Harrison House and we were given beds. I loved it at Harrison House, the people
treated me nice, the staff was ok. They would help me a whole lot with my
problems and help me with my kids. They can also help you find a job and to get
the kids in school. I stayed at Harrison House for about 4 months.
Now I live at McKinley Transitional House. This place is wonderful for you and
your family. The staff is wonderful here. They help you to find housing, jobs,
schools. They helped me build confidence in myself. I am looking for permanent
housing and I hope it to find it soon.
To my women on the streets,
Don't give up, there is people out there who will help you and your family. God
will always be there with you through all the things you go through, Be strong
for your children. Don't Give Up.
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