Family Stories

Deborah’s Story

One day in March, we learned about Deborah and her grandson. His school Homeless Services team had identified their need for emergency shelter and asked us to help.

When we first met her, she was out of gas. They were parked near the school where they were trying to survive. They ate there; did homework there; slept there. Our families make it a priority to get their children to school on time and meet their basic needs, even when they are living in a car.

We asked if we could fill up her gas tank which she gratefully accepted. But, her tank was so empty we had to use a gas can to put in a gallon first. Then, her car started and we drove across the street to fill her still empty tank.

Her gas tank wasn’t the only thing that was empty. Her love cup was empty too. But, it didn’t take long for the light in her eyes to return.

That day, in a gas station parking lot, hope returned. She knew we cared about her and that she didn’t need to walk the path to housing and sustainability alone anymore. That day, we began the long walk that resulted in this joyful moment, Deborah signing her lease, together.