It Takes a Village
Originally from New Jersey, Alexis and her family arrived at the Wake County Salvation Army shelter after spending three days at a Motel 6 and they ran out of money. Alexis says they left New Jersey for a fresh start.
“We wanted to start a new life, new adventure and we wanted a safe environment for our son.”
Like many who arrive at the shelter, Alexis was without her birth certificate and social security card. Working with a case manager she was able to get new copies. Staff also helped her and her husband Louis with information about employment, housing, and childcare resources for their son Noah. The Salvation Army also provided clothing vouchers and linked her with the medical care she needed for her mental health challenges.
“Even though I was nervous at first coming to the shelter, the staff was phenomenal. You find more help with people outside your family than inside your family, that’s how I see it. It takes a lot of outside people to create a village. This shelter helped more than any other place. It put a roof over my head, and I really do appreciate it.”
The family also participated in the Project CATCH Circle of Parents program, a weekly parent-peer group meeting that provides shelter residents with parent building skills and activities to help strengthen families experiencing homelessness. As a first-time mom, Alexis says she appreciated the support.
“I’m still learning. I have separation anxiety from Noah. Circle of Parents allowed him to do different activities, and arts and crafts. I enjoyed seeing him have fun and open up to other children. He is doing things I never thought he would do.”
After staying at the shelter for about a month, the family was able to secure a two-bedroom apartment. Alexis, a former culinary arts graduate, and chef, says she’s looking forward to cooking and baking in her own home. Her husband Louis says he is also grateful for the fresh start and the help his family received from The Salvation Army.
“You guys are phenomenal what you do for people. I see what you do every day—the lines of people who come for food. You don’t find that other places. You are helping so many people. I love your line, ‘Doing the Most Good’ because you really are doing the most good for our community.”