Help Kyla, Ariah & Her Family

It is widely known that homelessness has become a pervasive and escalating problem. There are many working people that have sadly found themselves in this position because of the high cost of living and other factors. They are literally one pay check away from losing shelter. These are people that want to regain their lives. This is an inspiring story of one very determined young woman who is doing whatever it takes to regain hers.

I met Kyla Thompson and her five year old daughter Ariah last December when I delivered holiday gifts through the Los Angeles County Dept of Social Services. What began as a chance meeting has turned out to be a most special and rewarding relationship for me and my husband. It has also served as a huge reminder to never take for granted our comfortable lives.

Kyla is one of the most remarkable young women I have ever known. She is a hardworking, bright, educated (she attended nursing school), devoted single Mom and lives by the adage ‘where there is a will, there’s a way’. In her young life, she has faced many difficult hardships. Perhaps the most painful was the birth of her youngest daughter with an injury leading to cerebral palsy, strokes and epilepsy.

Without any support, little saved money, and not knowing a soul, Kyla moved to Los Angeles with her older daughter Ariah, so her baby could be given the best treatment possible at Children’s Hospital. Tragically, her beloved child passed away last year from a heart attack in her sleep. She was only two years old.

Completely devastated and traumatized by her death, and having no job and no savings left, Kyla and Ariah were forced to live in a halfway house and homeless shelters She was fortunate enough to meet a woman that had a very small apt in North Hollywood where she and Ariah could temporarily stay.

Kyla did everything possible to earn money, including driving for Door Dash, and working the graveyard shift at Fed Ex 1:00 am to 7:00 am, getting very little sleep.

Eventually her Mom was able to move to LA so she could help care for Ariah while Kyla worked.

With a great deal of determination, Kyla secured an entry-level job with L.A. Metro to drive a city bus, where she went through a grueling training program. She was thrilled to have the job, but in time, that excitement faded. She worked 10 hour days from 2:00 am to 12:00 pm where she often encountered dangerous situations, from people entering the bus screaming and calling her names, throwing objects at her, to literally seeing people commit suicide. She persevered but eventually could not endure the job, so she had no choice but to leave. She is tenaciously looking for a job, however, she is not able to make ends meet.

To make things even more challenging, due to difficult extenuating family circumstances, her eight year old nephew who has physical and emotional issues has had to come to live with her where she will permanently be his legal guardian.

We all experience challenges in our lives, however, it is almost incomprehensible for me to imagine being 26 years old and carrying the responsibility to provide financially for so many family members. What is remarkable is that as difficult and completely overwhelming as her situation is, she has never and will never give up due to her strong will, determination, and her core spiritual beliefs in life.

Kyla’s long term goal is to return to nursing school where she wants to work in the neonatal intensive care unit.

The funds raised will go towards helping Kyla and her family to get on their feet based on

a six month period of expenses.

Food & Misc: $650

Gas/Auto Maintenance: $1300

Car Insurance: $950

Medical & Medicine - $3,700

Rent: $13,700

Cushion: $2,000

Total: $22,300

Please be a part in gathering the resources needed to assist this most deserving young woman and her family.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE, AND ANY AMOUNT HELPS.

With appreciation,

Jolie Salter

Founder, Help Our Hood, Inc.

Help Our Hood, Inc. is a CA 501c3 organization

TAX ID # 86-2180043

All donations are tax deductible.