A Birthday Wish...a home
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I never thought I would be setting up a gofundme page. Almost three years ago I attended a YWCA event in Columbus. I left the event overwhelmed by the need of so many families in the Columbus area. I didn't know how I could possibly make a difference, but then I received some advice from someone I love and respect...he said try to make a difference to one person. Focus on one.
My family took the advice and, through volunteering at our church with homeless YWCA families, we met a single mother and her three children. There was a connection that night as our girls read to the kids. The kids listened intently. The next morning at 6am on a Saturday I drove them back to the shelter, per shelter rules. I asked the mom about her background, and if she had a resume to find a job. She didn't, and I offered to help with her resume (as that is a stength of mine), but it was on her to call me the next day (Sunday). I would help with the resume while my girls would play with her kids at our house.
She called. We helped. Someone at church helped her with a job, and she's kept that job for over two years.
I always hear people say "get a job." Well, this mom has kept the same steady, full-time job for over two years, but you can't take care of three kids on $1200 a month when rent is at least $600.
Many of you have heard me talk about this family or have seen them attend church or other events around town. This family has become a part of our family.
At the end of December they were evicted from their apartment. They were four months behind on rent. I was not aware. They have lived in the homeless shelter and with friends over the last several months. They even stayed with us for a week so we could try and help the mom out a bit.
The eviction is a devastating situation. No one will rent to you for three years until the eviction has passed. The best shot we have at finding them a place is being able to pay 6 months to a year of rent. We also need to take care of the eviction which is $2400.
This family doesn't have a safety net to fall on. We are determined to help these three children. They are wonderful kids. They deserve a safe, stable home.
I realize this is a huge ask and one that I have prayed and asked many friends and family about before putting this request out there. Obviously, I have decided there is no other option.
I will tell you that anyone that contributes to this page will know where the money is going. I can assure you that it will not just be turned over to the family. I will be managing it and making sure that they are stable. Primarily the money will be used to secure and maintain safe, stable housing. The family has two weeks left in a shelter to find housing. This will be my only ask. I know this can't be asked again. If you have ever wanted to make a difference in a child's life, I can assure you that these three children are worthy of your assistance.
I think you from the bottom of my heart for your consideration.
My family took the advice and, through volunteering at our church with homeless YWCA families, we met a single mother and her three children. There was a connection that night as our girls read to the kids. The kids listened intently. The next morning at 6am on a Saturday I drove them back to the shelter, per shelter rules. I asked the mom about her background, and if she had a resume to find a job. She didn't, and I offered to help with her resume (as that is a stength of mine), but it was on her to call me the next day (Sunday). I would help with the resume while my girls would play with her kids at our house.
She called. We helped. Someone at church helped her with a job, and she's kept that job for over two years.
I always hear people say "get a job." Well, this mom has kept the same steady, full-time job for over two years, but you can't take care of three kids on $1200 a month when rent is at least $600.
Many of you have heard me talk about this family or have seen them attend church or other events around town. This family has become a part of our family.
At the end of December they were evicted from their apartment. They were four months behind on rent. I was not aware. They have lived in the homeless shelter and with friends over the last several months. They even stayed with us for a week so we could try and help the mom out a bit.
The eviction is a devastating situation. No one will rent to you for three years until the eviction has passed. The best shot we have at finding them a place is being able to pay 6 months to a year of rent. We also need to take care of the eviction which is $2400.
This family doesn't have a safety net to fall on. We are determined to help these three children. They are wonderful kids. They deserve a safe, stable home.
I realize this is a huge ask and one that I have prayed and asked many friends and family about before putting this request out there. Obviously, I have decided there is no other option.
I will tell you that anyone that contributes to this page will know where the money is going. I can assure you that it will not just be turned over to the family. I will be managing it and making sure that they are stable. Primarily the money will be used to secure and maintain safe, stable housing. The family has two weeks left in a shelter to find housing. This will be my only ask. I know this can't be asked again. If you have ever wanted to make a difference in a child's life, I can assure you that these three children are worthy of your assistance.
I think you from the bottom of my heart for your consideration.
Organizer and beneficiary
Lori Abshire
Organizer
Columbus, OH
Aimee Bonner
Beneficiary