T showed up at the StreetExit Helping Habersham outreach event. She was timid and was reluctant to ask for anything nor go into too much detail about her personal situation. After a period of acceptance, she began to share her story.
She came from the city with her three children, looking for any opportunity possible. Trying to distance the family from danger and unpleasantness found in her previous location. She had no money, no connections, only a housing voucher for an apartment. She carried the entire family possessions inside a worn trash bag.
When the StreetExit team learned that the apartment they lived in only had a new lightbulb in it, the community went right to work. Postings on social media brought immediate response from the community wishing to see the family experience joy and love.
Before the sun went down that evening, kindness began to overflow with great surplus. New beds and bedding from Sleep in Heavenly Peace warmed the bedrooms, churches, volunteers, and social groups swarmed the home. Soon it was awash with activity. Furniture, linens, towels, kitchenware, came from every direction. The pantry and refrigerator were magically filled to capacity.
The children were given clothes, toys, and books. School personnel showed up to help with school registration. Employers were offering employment opportunities at a lightning speed. Donations came from generous and caring hearts.
Fast forward…The family is a joy. They show up at service events not to ask for anything but to offer hugs and thanksgiving and to offer to help others in need like they previously were. Mom now is a F/T substitute teacher in the school system and the children are thriving. A church donated a van to the family, and the family is thriving.
This is what community looks like.
