Five years ago, Shamanique found herself lying in the hospital critically ill, wondering if her teenage son was getting to school. When she recovered enough to go home, there was an eviction notice hung on her door and a message from her employer that her position had been eliminated. For the first time in her adult life, she was jobless, homeless, and ill. Surely, there was help available, she thought through her fear.
Program after program denied her application for assistance. Shamanique’s health kept her from finding a job. Eventually, her unemployment ended, and she had no choice but to turn the care of her son over to friends. Shamanique was sick and
sleeping on the streets when she was directed to Safe to Sleep.
Together with a Safe to Sleep advocate, Shamanique enthusiastically pursued each step she needed to obtain a stable life.
Just as her housing application seemed sure to be approved, COVID-19 brought everything to a halt. She now feared the shelter would not be allowed to remain
open while she waited for housing.
Thanks to you and other generous supporters, Safe to Sleep was able to continue to inspire hope by moving the women from the shelter to a hotel and continuing
to assist Shamanique and the other unsheltered ladies in their pursuit of stable housing. In May 2020, Shamanique moved into her new home.
Now, Shamanique has reached another incredible milestone—she has completed her
GED and is taking college courses. Safe to Sleep Director Kelly Harris attended her
graduation.
Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the vital role of Safe to Sleep in empowering women to rebuild their lives.