Hello Friend,
Just a few years ago I found myself in a homelessness situation with my wife of 18 years and our two children. It was a terrifying; and, humbling experience during which we discovered my wife had cancer. It was the lowest point in my own life; and, played a role in my own divorce.
It broke ME; and, it broke our family.
After 11 months of homelessness we were finally able to become housed thru a program available to homeless veterans and their families (HUD-VASH). During that 11 months we we're blessed to have shelter at City Rescue Mission in downtown Oklahoma City.
You see I know what it feels like to be homeless; to feel as if you are invisible; to have others look down upon you with distain. I know what it is like to be exposed to the elements; to be hot, sweaty; and, stinky during the humid summer; and, to be cold during the winter. I know the frustration that is felt by those who are jobless; homeless; and, in need to desperate aid. I know what it feels like to be abandoned by my own family repeatedly.
With all the recent funding cuts to both State and Federal Programs; as our Government seeks to eradicate, waste, fraud, and abuse the funds that were once plentiful; are no longer available.
When we were Homeless (2021-2022) we saw many families receiving help. These programs that made help available are under fire; and, unfortunately were used under this last administration (BIDEN) to house those who aren't even legal citizens of the United States while Veterans; and, families were passed over.
Very recently I became acquainted with a young black woman, she is age 35; and, her children are ages
- 10 Male
- 8 Female
- 4 Male
- 2 Female
They had been sleeping in a van owned by another tenant until it was sold. This family had been camping out on the patio of my apartment building.
Four weeks ago Friday night it rained VERY hard outside. I had peaked my head out to see this Young woman and her family struggling to stay dry; and warm. I was about to sit down to watch an episode of "The Chosen", when I began to feel uneasy.
That's when I heard the still small voice. All it said was:
"DO SOMETHING"
What could I do I thought?
I have a 2nd bedroom where my daughter usually stays. I've got stuff I probably wont eat; but they might. I have hot water, And it was warmer inside than outside. That and I have 6 extra pillows and two blankets. I've got this!
That's when my mind traveled back to 2000 when I was living in my car, working a sales job and sleeping in my vehicle in the alley behind our store.
David had an ownership interest in the company Wireless Choice Communications Inc. In San Diego California. When David discovered my situation, he very audibly, said
"No. This isn't happening; this isn't happening."
I thought I was going to lose my job. Instead he took me home to his house put his youngest son in the room with his older brother and literally gave me a bedroom. He provided a roof over my head until I could save up enough money for deposit for my own place. David was my Good Samaritan, And I love him for it.
As my mind drifted back to that point in my life, the Lord impressed upon me that they were safe. They're okay. Let them in. These are my children.
I study the bible a lot and she seems to have great interest. I've enjoyed "having class" and have had an opportunity to begin teaching two of her children how to play chess. This hasnt been a burden, its been beneficial for us both.
Since I live alone; it gets lonely so this has been a nice distraction.
But now the Creator of the Universe (ADONAI YAHUAH) the one many call "Jesus" aka YESHUA impresses upon me that I should use my voice, and, the skills He has given me to attempt to help others in similar situations.
Will you please partner with me to help this young family to get on her feet? Here are a list of their needs:
*diapers/wipes
*$$ to do laundry
*"girly stuff" time of the month
*$$ for food
*socks & underwear
*kids need new shoes
*kids need clothes
*$$ for medicines not covered by food stamps
*$$ for household items, toilet paper, paper towels, toothpaste, soaps, shampoo & conditioner, lotion for kids skin.
*$$ for hot meals not offered by food stamps which are not enough.
*$$ for transportation so she can get a job
*$$ for interim child care until she can qualify for it thru the state.
*$$ for documents. She lacks her childrens birth certificates which has also made getting into a shelter next to impossible.
*$$ housing/shelter. This is her greatest expense. Roughly $50-65 a night $70 on weekends
I have set up a GoFundMe so she can remain "hidden" from the abusive spouse.
Please. Partner with me to help this family seeking nothing in return, that the Almighty sees your blessing and blesses you in return.
If you have questions; comments; or would like to find out how you can both give; and, get involved you can reach out to James Matthews via email at 10virginsparable@gmail.com; or by calling my cellular (951) 775-2589.
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