The statewide online campaign, Idaho Gives, starts on April 28th and goes through May 1st! This is a great opportunity for the community to get involved and help raise money for Boise Rescue Mission Ministries as there is a rising need to help women and children coming to the Mission. On April 28th, head over to the Mission’s Idaho Gives profile to make a difference in the lives of women and children like Emelia.
“No one knew the chaos I was going through. It was very lonely and frustrating” Emelia says.
After years of caring for her family, mostly on her own, it all became too much for Emelia. No one in her family knew the weight of responsibility she carried alone, and, bit by bit, life at home began to fall apart.
Weary and without support, Emelia felt drained of life, which led to devastating consequences. In an instant, everything in Emelia’s life fell apart. “I lost custody of my son, Albert; he was six months old at the time. I lost my home. I became homeless.“
Amid years of surviving on the streets, hope was one open door away. “One night, I was walking around downtown Boise at about three o’clock in the morning. I was so tired when someone saw me and pointed me toward City Light Home for Women and Children.”
At City Light, Emelia received nourishing meals, clean clothes, and her own bed to sleep in. Over time, it became more than just a place where her basic needs were met. It became a place where she finally felt safe enough to seek trustworthy counsel and pursue a fresh start in life.
“My case manager went above and beyond for me. She met me right where I was and saw hope ahead for me. She connected me to a program that offered subsidized housing at an apartment complex. Getting an apartment ultimately helped me gain back custody of my son! I probably wouldn’t have my son if I hadn’t come to the Mission and would probably still be sleeping outside or maybe in and out of jail. But now I had a home again.“
Emelia was grateful to have custody of her son but didn’t want her struggles to affect him. She was able to accomplish all this while her son was part of the Kid’s Program, opening opportunities for him to enjoy being a kid despite difficult circumstances. Emelia says, “I don’t know what I would do without the Kid’s Program. He gets to do lots of fun activities throughout the year while I work, even when school is on summer or holiday breaks. It’s been a blessing for the both of us.“
To read more of Emelia and Albert’s story visit the following – link
Homelessness can happen to anyone. Donors like you make it possible for Emelia and her son have a safe place to go to get back on their feet.