Resilience and Dignity: A Mother's Journey to Provide for Her Kids

Having a stable home is important to all of us, but that isn't the case for many who walk through our doors. Danielle and her four kids were without a stable home for years. They hopped from hotels to friends' houses to have some sense of stability. Danielle struggled to make enough to provide for herself and her family.

"It's been really hard to find housing. Trying to make the two or three times people are asking for rent is almost impossible for me. And then I got injured and made even less money."

Find out how Danielle and her kids finally have a safe home.

Finding affordable housing becomes an uphill battle when faced with inflation and requirements set by landlords. Can you imagine tackling that challenge with four children? This was the daunting reality Danielle faced as a single mother, struggling to secure a stable home and meet the needs of her family.

With determination, Danielle fought to hold on to every penny she earned from her job, but it seemed impossible to make ends meet. Balancing the needs of her children—Markayla, Alegjana, Akeilan, and Alleana—amid financial strain was a constant struggle.

The situation took a devastating turn when Danielle suffered a workplace injury leaving her unable to work. Suddenly, they found themselves moving from one hotel to another, desperately trying to stay afloat. Despite the hardships, Danielle refused to give up. She tirelessly sought out any available resources to provide for her kids, utilizing food stamps, vouchers, discounts, and county services. Their living arrangements shifted between hotels and the homes of family members, all while Danielle remained steadfast in her commitment to prioritize her children's well-being.

Even in the midst of their unstable circumstances, Danielle ensured that her children's lives remained as normal as possible. She made it a priority to get them to school and support their participation in extracurricular activities. Despite being unhoused, she believed that her children deserved every opportunity to succeed and thrive.

"It was really exhausting, but they don't deserve not to have a chance to succeed because of our situation," Danielle expressed, reflecting on her relentless efforts to maintain a sense of normalcy for her kids.

Just over a year ago, a ray of hope emerged when VOA was able to provide transitional housing for Danielle and her children. They finally had an entire apartment to themselves, a place where they could experience a sense of safety and security they had longed for.

"The kids were really excited to finally unpack their bags and decorate a room that was theirs. It changed everything for us," Danielle shared.

Since then, Danielle has become a powerful advocate within her children's school community. She plays a key role in the school board, using her firsthand experience of homelessness to advocate for other students who have faced similar challenges.

Through it all, Danielle and her children exemplify resilience and dignity. Their unwavering determination and ability to rise above adversity inspires us all. As we witness their incredible journey, we are reminded of the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of compassion and support.

Learn more about how you can support families like Danielle's!