Join us in congratulating Vanessa and her daughter for ending their homeless situation today after making a difficult decision to improve their lives. We will soon be providing this mother and daughter all the essential furniture and household items they need to make their new rental a real home. Please read about their journey below:

Dear OTS,
Imagine 3 beautiful young ladies, 14, 18 and 24 sitting their mother down in all seriousness hoping they can convince their mom to say no to abuse. That’s what my 3 courageous girls did in Feb. 2018. It took me surprise, but I immediately understood that I had to make some changes for all of us. My 14 year old daughter came in contact with a DV advocate through church because she knew there was several forms of abuse in the home. I new it was time to take a stand again, but this time I found out there was a better way I could finally successfully leave. Many times I tried to leave by reasoning with my husband, seeking counsel, try to stay with family, but he never let me leave on my terms. He harassed me, stalked me and my children and my family until I would give in and return home. I was broken and felt trapped for most of my 22 year marriage. My husband kept us financially unstable, unable to save, always having to spend every last dime until he wound pitch in. Our only option was to find a shelter where he couldn’t find us. The 18 year old was forced to move in with her 24 year old sister. I took my 14 year old with me. We had only hours to pack our clothes and some items and we left everything else. To this day we have not been able to return for anything. In fact my husband has ignored all court orders and has not paid any money or child support, nor do I have any of the cars we own. Thankfully all my girls and I were awarded a 5 year restraining order, even our little dogs are on the order. We entered a DV shelter around Feb. 29, 2018. My daughter and I were scared of all the unknowns, but we kept God very close to us. The shelter we were in for 47 days was amazing. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience during one of the most horrific times in our lives. We graduated from there, received so much support and resources that our heads were spinning. Now we’re in transitional housing and it’s been another wonderful place to heal and finally become financially stable for the first time in my life. I work from home and was able to keep my job. Bills have been paid off and now I’m to the point where we can rent an apartment and start our new life abuse free! I left an entire lifetime of things that make a home, a home. That’s why I reached out to Off The Streets. We need a little financial help still with the move in security deposit and basic furniture to push toward success. My children and I are on a new path that has been full of blessings. Help from you is another blessing we are receiving, all the glory to God.
Sincerely, Vanessa

This family brings our placements this year to 105 and our grand total since we started OTS in 2014 up to 615. Read more about our charity at OTSHB.COM.