Back to stories

Stories of Transformation

Shamika’s Story

Would They Spend Christmas on the Streets?

Shamika was desperate. She had lost her job and had been evicted from her apartment . . . along with her 2-year-old daughter, Shaniyah.

“I was in a terrible situation,” Shamika says. “I was crying constantly. I was depressed. It was hard, real hard.”

With the holidays fast approaching and no family to help, Shamika worried that she and Shaniyah would have to spend Christmas on the streets of Atlanta.
“I didn’t see any way out,” she says.

But before she and her baby spent one night on the streets, she found a way . . . at Atlanta Mission. Shamika and Shaniyah were welcomed with open arms at My Sister’s House, our facility for women and children.

“It was such a blessing,” Shamika says.

The end of a long, hard road.

Arriving at Atlanta Mission was the beginning of the end of a long, hard road for Shamika. Before coming here she had struggled to find work. “Everywhere I went, they weren’t hiring,” she says. “Or, when I had interviews, I didn’t get the job.”

Our caring staff was able to help Shamika land a good job. And at My Sister’s House, she and Shaniyah found a family atmosphere where they felt loved and encouraged. “It’s so inspiring,” she says, with tears in her eyes. “It’s positive all around. I love it here.”

Last Christmas, she says, “was really nice. Shaniyah got some gifts, and everyone was kind. That’s all that mattered.”

Shamika and Shaniyah recently moved out to their own place. They’re excited to celebrate the holidays in their own home this year, but Shamika says she’ll always remember the gift of love last Christmas from the staff and volunteers at My Sister’s House.

“They were wonderful,” she says. “If it wasn’t for Atlanta Mission, I don’t know what would have happened. They got me back on my feet.”

Stories like this are a direct result of your kindness. The lives of men, women, and children are being transformed every day at Atlanta Mission. Thank you for your continued support!