Renecia’s Story

It’s easy to take safety for granted when you’re secure in your home. What if you had no place to call home?

Renecia faced this terrifying reality when she found herself on the streets with her two young children. What’s more, Renecia was expecting another child.

When she reached out in desperation for help, Renecia was told there were no shelters available in her community.

But a counselor had one ray of hope for Renecia. She was given bus tickets for her and her children to Atlanta, and assured help was available here.

When Renecia learned that My Sister’s House at Atlanta Mission accepted families, she was hopeful. And when she learned there was space for her and her children, she was thrilled. She would finally have a place to call home.

“That was a big deal,” she says. “A lot of people don’t get beds right away.”

The children quickly adjusted to life at My Sister’s House. They finally had a place to call home. Renecia found work, and things seemed to be turning around for her family.

Then the pandemic hit, causing new disruptions. Clients and staff were asked to shelter in place. With her daughter unable to attend school and Renecia unable to maintain her job, they had to adjust to their new life.

“It’s kind of stressful, but then I feel blessed because we’re safe and we’re not sick,” says Renecia.

At first, because doctors’ offices were closed, Renecia’s prenatal appointments had to be virtual. But as the lockdown eased, she was able to have an in-person checkup.

Her delivery in the hospital was thankfully free of complications and she gave birth to a healthy baby.

Now that her baby is born, Renecia is grateful to Atlanta Mission for giving her a place to call home and eager to become self-sufficient.

“They’re helping me grow in so many ways,” she says. “Like how to save money, how to set goals and stick with them.”

Renecia is thankful for the kind of help she received. “Atlanta Mission’s not going to do the work for you,” she says. “They will help and give you the resources. But you have to be motivated to get it done.”

Thank you for being part of Renecia and her family’s story! Because of our generous group of supporters, she and her family have a place to call home. Watch more stories like hers here.