There are numerous individuals and families who come to us needing help to avoid homelessness. For many of them, the help they receive is a one-time thing. There are others that lapse in and out of homelessness for one reason or another.
There is a young lady we’ve helped off and on for almost four years. I estimate her to be in her early thirties. She has been plagued with medical and psychological problems and avoids asking for help because of "shame." She is someone whom I have prayed for off and on. When things get bad, God seems to place her in my midst. It is providential that every time I see her, she is at rock bottom.
Once while driving, I saw her waiting at a bus stop, and after stopping was able to help her. At that time she was living in a small room off of a front porch of an acquaintance without any heat. She figured this was better than sleeping under a bridge. Among other necessary things we were able to help her with a space heater.
Last week, while getting out of my car for an appointment I saw her walking down the sidewalk just a few dozen feet away carrying milk. It seems that our eyes met at the same time after which we greeted each other. Before long I found out she is in a drug and alcohol treatment program which will not last forever. Soon, she will need help finding a job, an apartment and the furniture and items needed to make an apartment a home. She once again said she was reluctant to call me because of her shame. I reassured her. We met 45 minutes later at a store nearby where we bought her a cell phone with some pre-paid minutes and some essential toiletry items. She was beyond grateful after I gave her a gift card to a local market/store. She had been praying she would somehow obtain help getting a phone in order to assist her in her efforts in finding employment. Now that I have her address at the treatment facility, we can help her further in her search for employment and in finding an apartment. We can then help her with furniture and items for her kitchen. I re-iterated that she should never avoid us because she feels ashamed about anything.
I am grateful to Almighty God that through His providence I was able to run into her in order to help once again. I am confident that with a little assistance she will someday be able to live independently. I am also grateful to our many benefactors because without them we would not be able to help the many people that come to us in need.
In addition to helping us spiritually with prayers, materially with items around the house and farm not needed including vehicles, financially with cash donations, we also ask for prayers for our clients like the lady mentioned above. She happens to be a non-practicing Catholic and has expressed interest in coming back. This is of course something we can help her with. Please pray for this woman who told me before I blessed her that she wants to grow closer to God. Finally, please be assured of our continued prayers for you.
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