Melita’s Story

Last year, Melita was working two jobs. She wasn’t wealthy, but she got by — providing well enough for her three daughters. But when her hours at one job were unexpectedly cut, she struggled to cover her car payments. And eventually, the vehicle was repossessed. Then she could no longer get to her second job.

“Everything spiraled out of control,” Melita says. “I couldn’t afford my bills. I lost the car. I lost my jobs. Then we got evicted. We were homeless.”

With nowhere else to go, Melita and her kids came to Atlanta Mission. They were placed in My Sister’s House — our shelter for women and children. (The name helps protect the children from the stigma of homelessness, in case anyone asks them where they live.)

“If not for Atlanta Mission, we would have been on the streets,” Melita recalls. “I was so stressed out. We needed a miracle. This place was an answer to our prayers.”

Rebuilding Step by Step

Atlanta Mission provided Melita’s family with everything they needed for their healing journey, including food and shelter, daycare for the youngest daughter and guidance for the eldest. Melita was especially grateful on behalf of her middle daughter, who was just entering 6th grade. “They gave her new clothes, papers, pencils, notebooks, and everything she needed to start the school year off right.”

With her daughters safely cared for, Melita was able to concentrate on getting her family back on their feet. Over the past year, she attended classes, got counseling, and worked closely with a caseworker to rebuild her life. She gained the knowledge and resources to regain full-time employment — and she just started her new job at the airport this Spring!

“Thanks to Atlanta Mission and everyone who supports this place, my daughters are thriving. I hope that by next year we’ll have our own place and a car,” Melita says. “My Sister’s House really inspired me and made me believe in myself again. Someday, I hope I can come back and inspire another mother like me, and let them know they can make it just like I did.”