Rashawn was small and fast, on probation for “door pulling” – or checking the locks on parked cars, looking for something to take.

His grades were in a nosedive, and he’d started smoking weed.

When we met him, Rashawn was homeless, even though his mother worked full time at a tobacco processing plant. Every night for nine months, she’d split up her three kids and drop them at different homes of relatives and friends. Then she’d park her car nearby, wrap up with a blanket and pillow, and sleep in the seat.

As the oldest, Rashawn is especially close to his mom – and he worried about her alone in the car, says Chandra Green, our family preservation specialist who worked with him.

“How do you focus on anything,” she says, “when you don’t know where you’re going to sleep at night? When you don’t know if your mom is OK?”

Rashawn spiraled. He’d always loved sports – but he didn’t play anymore. He could learn – but he didn’t see the purpose. He just didn’t see past tomorrow, Chandra says.

He needed hope. And you are the reason for what happened next.

 

Rashawn got his childhood back.

His family has a home now – a place to sleep, do homework, cook meals, take care of one another.

With your support, we covered their security deposit and first month’s rent. And they’re making ends meet by combining households with Rashawn’s grandmother, who contributes her social security payments.

Three generations are together under one roof and stable for the first time in years. And that’s changed everything for Rashawn.

With help from Chandra, he’s off the streets. He’s going to classes, doing his homework. His grades are up – he couldn’t wait to show us the B’s on his report card – and he’ll get to play sports again soon.

Finally, he can see a way to graduation and community college. A future. He’s on track, and we are so proud of him.

 

The relief of having a home is carrying this family for now – but they still have gaps we’re trying to fill. They need beds, a dining table, kitchen essentials, chairs. They need a place where they can continue to build hope for the future.

We’ve started an emergency fund to help with the needs of families struggling to get by – or get back on their feet. If you’d like to help, you can make a gift directly to the fund.

Thank you for all you do to give hope and a future to kids like Rashawn.