First email of the morning:
"I am a single mom. I am living in my car. I have no money. I am desperate!"
This time, the mom left a name and a telephone number. After three attempts, we were able to interview the young mother. She’d been living in an apartment, paying her rent to another roommate who decided not to pay her rent. Everyone got evicted; the 5 month pregnant mom and her 1 year old son didn’t have anywhere to go. All her relatives live in Michigan. Here we go again; most shelters are full. The definition of homeless has changed over the past 12-24 months. However, the Woman’s Residential Christian Counselors (WRCC) had one bed available for the mother and her son for the next six days. Currently, she is applying for an extension with the Coalition for the Homeless. This time, the mother only needs help for 30 days; she’s planning to finish her studies as soon as her grant money arrives at the end of the month. Today, many people are only one paycheck away from being homeless.
Where do we go from here?
The Serrati’s family of five, hit dire straits because the dad was suddenly hospitalized to have surgery on his pancreas. Cancer invaded the plans of the family that recently started to re-establish themselves from Puerto Rico. Recently, Gerrie Serrati had found employment as an assistant manager and everyone was excited about the new start. When dad’s health started failing. He was hospitalized for a little over two months, and their main source of income was gone. Suddenly, mom was now facing very new challenges living in a foreign place. She acted promptly by sending her two teenagers to relatives in Fort Lauderdale. She got her drivers license and watched over the youngest boy JJ, 2 years old. The family never had a chance to save any money for such an unexpected occasion. The landlord was very gracious with them; he allowed the family to stay for almost three months before they were evicted. This allowed enough time for the dad to be discharged from the hospital but no time for his recovery. Homelessness was now staring the frightened family in the face; they didn’t have any money for a motel or food. Between HYN and Mending Hearts, a dynamic local organization, we were able to find shelter for the family. The dad had another blessing waiting; his former employer rehired him, and slowly this family is now restoring its hope.
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Employment opportunities
The Hawthorn Suites, an active partner of HYN, has been a great lead source when it comes to employment in the local hospitality industry. Every week, they send us the latest job-openings for the major hotels in the area. As a result, more and more people have approached HYN for employment possibilities. We share these opportunities readily with those in need because it is a great way to bring hope to those seeking employment.
Go with God, Kyle!
Kyle Hanson is a young man who recently enrolled in the U.S. Navy. His training starts in September, and the possibility of an overseas assignment may be part of the package. Kyle approached us with a request to become baptized in water. During these uncertain times, more and more people are pondering on these eternal values. After all, this life is only a short journey to eternity. What an honor it is, to be such a part of this young man’s destiny! Kyle was baptized in a partnering church, and now we pray that God’s peace, blessings and protection will accompany him on his journey. We love you, Kyle!
