Sarah

I am a single mom from New Jersey.  I have three minor children (two teen age boys and one teenage daughter), a young adult daughter and one grandson.  We moved to Los Angeles, August 8, 2007 to help my sister with her son.  We were living in a two bedroom apartment.  I was able to secure employment, but it did not pay enough to be able to pay the entire rent.  My sister was unable to find a job to cover her half of the rent and bills. We eventually got evicted from our home.  My children and I stayed in a few different hotels until all my money was gone and I was unable to keep my job. 

In my search for assistance; I was able to obtain safe temporary refuge with a classmate and her family for my 12 year old daughter.  During the process, I also found that the majority of emergency shelters and transitional housing programs in Los Angeles did not accept young males 10 years and older.  My family was in crisis; eventually we made a decision to have my sons join Job Corp which provides immediate stability through housing and educational opportunities.   My oldest daughter was living in a semi-stable environment of her own, but unable to assist us. 

In my search, I found information about Union Rescue Mission (URM) at the local library and we received immediate assistance.  However; in an effort to get to the mission, I informed my sister of the housing options; living in the Skid Row area of Los Angeles at the Mission she showed no compassion and charged us ten dollars ($10) to drop us off there.

During our stay at the downtown URM facility; I was made aware of URM’s long-term transitional housing facility – Hope Gardens and given an opportunity to apply for residency.  I was interviewed and accepted; the day I found out that we were moving to Hope Gardens brought great joy to my heart as well as lifted the tremendous burden I faced daily.   Since we moved to California there was nothing positive happening for us.  I was losing hope and ready to give up.  I had decided to send my children to Georgia to live with my younger sister while I stayed at the URM.  The only thing I can say is this, that Hope Gardens has been a blessing to us. 

 My goals right now are to get my family back together, get a home, a car and start working.  I have just completed my training from CDL (Commercial Drivers License) and passed the test. The barriers that I am currently facing are:  obtaining my CDL certification; securing employment, obtaining a reliable automobile to assist in transporting me at 4:00 am daily; and starting to financially prepare for securing permanent housing.  Upon obtaining my certification, I have been offered employment at First Student Bus Company as a full time school bus driver.  It is my belief that your support offered to Union Rescue Missions enhances my efforts towards self-sufficiency. 

 On behalf of all homeless families, I would like share a quote from the Program Director; “Hope Gardens in partnership with the Faith community offers more than the key to a door; we offer Relationships which is transformative.”