Amy's Story
Amy and her family lived the typical middle-class story. They had a home, fresh food in the kitchen, and had all of their basic needs met. But, as it so often can, life threw them a curve ball. A series of unexpected tragedies shook the family and they found themselves getting behind on their bills.
As money grew tight, Amy thought about asking for help but the stigma of it kept her from doing so. A short time later, she lost her job.
With only a few weeks before eviction, her family began preparing and researching what was required to enter the different homeless shelters in the area. Amy learned that various rules that were in place meant that the family may not be able to stay together in the same facility. The thought of her family being spilt up was too much to bear and it motivated Amy to seek help.
“I knew The Salvation Army was here, but I was proud. I was scared. So, I came through the door scared and proud and all those feelings and I needed everything.”
The Salvation Army provided Amy with utility assistance and food to help with her family’s immediate need. After she spoke with some of the staff there, she left with a job application in hand!
“And when I left, I know I didn’t need to worry about that anymore. That we could stay together as a family. The Salvation Army allowed us to stay as a family.”
Today, Amy works with youth programs at The Salvation Army. She enjoys her work and has a great relationship with her coworkers. From time to time, she still finds it important to reflect on everything that she has been through – on the memory of her family on the brink of homelessness. She is thankful for the role The Salvation Army has played in her life and encourages people never to be so proud that it would keep them from asking for help.
“I never in my life thought I would be in those shoes. I didn’t think it would happen to me. But it happened to me, it can happen to anybody.”