Just Help 1: Meet Katherine, a Mother Determined to Get Her Family Off the Streets for Good

Katherine had a duty as a mother to watch over her kids, a challenge that became exponentially harder when they were unsheltered. Her attention was split between her children and her surroundings, especially when people were selling and using drugs nearby.

The experience made Katherine feel like she was less of a person. Her situation worsened as she and her babies had to sleep in a park for two days. As her children's sole provider and protector, Katherine could not allow herself to break down. Katherine went on a mission to find shelter, but the first shelter she came across was not an option as they were not housing children. They advised Katherine to set her sights on the shelter across the street, which happened to be Union Rescue Mission. At Union Rescue Mission, Katherine found the help she needed and finally had a safe space for her and her boys to stay. Katherine felt it was a blessing that her children had a place to lay their heads at night.

One door closing does not mean the journey is over. Katherine’s persistence in searching for shelter paid off, with the help of just one person. And just helping 1 person in need can take many different forms—offering guidance on finding shelter, providing warm meals, offering vital resources, making donations or volunteering your time. Be the one to help just 1 struggling person and help create a safer, more compassionate community for those most vulnerable.