Rykia

Rykia’s journey into homelessness

Before becoming homeless, Rykia* was working full-time, going to school to become a certified medical assistant to provide financial stability for her family, and living with her father. On the outside, it looked as though Rykiahad it all together – but on the inside, she was trapped by emotional, verbal,and physical abuse in her own home. Half-way through medical school, she came home one day to see a tear fall from her 6 year-old’s eyes and she knew she needed to flee.

Rykia became homeless this past May after the Department of Children and Family Services answered her domestic violence phone call in the Antelope Valley and advised her to flee the violent living situation she was in. She and her two boys, 6 and 10, left what they called home immediately and took shelter in a hotel and another shelter before finding the refuge at Union Rescue Mission.

In the beginning of June, Rykia and her sons stayed in our family shelter and took fast to getting their personal business in order. For example, Rykia and her children were so determined not to look back in the flight, they left their identification paperwork. “The Union Rescue Mission has provided food three times a day for us, a nice clean facility, an orderly fashioned program – it’s been a blessing.”

Rykia’s journey out of homelessness

At the end of June, Rykia moved into transitional housing at Hope Gardens Family Center with her two sons. They now have their own private apartment-style living arrangements where they are now building healthy family living patterns. Her boys now play on grass and ride bikes far away from the drug infested streets, attend school nearby, and are part of a vibrant after school program through the Youth Development Center. Rykia enrolled in the program onsite, where she is creating a long-term family plan for successful interdependent family living and employment security.

At Hope Gardens Family Center, Rykia is looking forward to completing her medical certification, saving up for a future home, and strengthening herself and her family.

Rykia on Skid Row
“There’s more to life than San Julian and all of this Skid Row stuff. Walking to the store, just half a block [away], and back is enough.”

Rykia on Hope Gardens and the future…
“Right now – there’s no looking back for me. I’m a true believer of God and if this is what God has in store for me, I mean, it can’t get any worse. Come on. Hope Gardens – it seems like it’s another hope for me. Look from the situation I’ve come from.”