Today’s post in the series Return to Our Senses in Lent is excerpted from a newsletter I recently received from my friend Edith Yoder Executive Director of Bridge of Hope, a ministry which provides a church based approach to ending homelessness. I was so touched by the video in this post that I wanted to share it with all of you.
“It shouldn’t be this hard and I’m wondering what I’m doing wrong.” These are the words of Kim Ahern, a single mom facing homelessness who’s featured in this powerful video from the Seattle Times entitled “A child’s perspective on homelessness.”
In 2010, Kim moved from Chicago to Seattle because she heard of job opportunities there. When housing fell through, Kim, her 9-year-old son Jack, and their Cockapoo Gracie lived in the King County tent city. Kim explains, “I wish I had Jack’s imagination – without the zombies.”
Kim used the 211 directory to look for housing options and felt that she kept “hitting a wall” until St. Vincent de Paul referred her to Blessed Sacrament. She and Jack were provided with a room and a shared kitchen and bathroom.
Kim spent two months applying for jobs, but wondered what she would do about childcare. “Everyone wants $10-$12/hour and I can’t pay out all I’m making.” She explains that she and Jack dream at night about a new home and furniture. “It’s fun to dream but everything’s on hold. It’s a waiting game.”
My dream for Kim and Jack and families facing homelessness is Bridge of Hope mentoring friends from a local church.
A mentoring group could look at Jack’s “furniture map” and help to make it a reality. Mentoring friends could provide childcare while Kim interviews for jobs. Bridge of Hope staff would provide temporary rental assistance and help Kim to find a job (and job training if needed) so that she can meet expenses for housing, food, childcare, etc.
Please contact me if your church or agency would like to make this dream a reality for a family like Kim, Jack and Gracie. “It shouldn’t be this hard and I’m wondering what I’m doing wrong.” These are the words of Kim Ahern, a single mom facing homelessness who’s featured in this powerful video from the Seattle Times entitled “A child’s perspective on homelessness.”
In 2010, Kim moved from Chicago to Seattle because she heard of job opportunities there. When housing fell through, Kim, her 9-year-old son Jack, and their Cockapoo Gracie lived in the King County tent city. Kim explains, “I wish I had Jack’s imagination – without the zombies.”
Kim used the 211 directory to look for housing options and felt that she kept “hitting a wall” until St. Vincent de Paul referred her to Blessed Sacrament. She and Jack were provided with a room and a shared kitchen and bathroom.
Kim spent two months applying for jobs, but wondered what she would do about childcare. “Everyone wants $10-$12/hour and I can’t pay out all I’m making.” She explains that she and Jack dream at night about a new home and furniture. “It’s fun to dream but everything’s on hold. It’s a waiting game.”
My dream for Kim and Jack and families facing homelessness is Bridge of Hope mentoring friends from a local church.
A mentoring group could look at Jack’s “furniture map” and help to make it a reality. Mentoring friends could provide childcare while Kim interviews for jobs. Bridge of Hope staff would provide temporary rental assistance and help Kim to find a job (and job training if needed) so that she can meet expenses for housing, food, childcare, etc.
Please contact me if your church or agency would like to make this dream a reality for a family like Kim, Jack and Gracie.