“This is the first time I have ever been homeless. I never imagined it would happen to me,” says Victoria. “Yet in the midst of this situation, I have peace. I know God brought my son Frederick and me to Nashville Rescue Mission.”

 

Raised by her grandparents, Victoria grew up in Mississippi. She left home at the age of 16. “I grew up fast,” shares Victoria. “I was mostly around adults, so I think I was very mature for my age. When I moved out, I already had a job. I was able to rent a house, buy a car and live on my own with no problems.”

 

 

Victoria had spent the last 23 years living in Memphis. She is a mother of five. Her four oldest children (ages 23, 22, 21 and 20) still live there. “Memphis has become a very dangerous place,” says Victoria. “My youngest son Frederick is 16 and I was concerned for his safety. We have family in Nashville. My employer also has an office here, so I was able to transfer to their Nashville office. It seemed like the perfect solution.”

 

Shortly after arriving, Victoria learned her employer didn’t have enough work to keep her. “I was devastated,” shares Victoria. “We had packed up everything and moved. Frederick and I were staying in a hotel, but it didn’t take long for the money I had saved to run out and we had no place to go. My aunt, who lives here, had a full house of people, so staying with her wasn’t an option.”

 

 

It was during a church service Victoria attended, that she cried out to God. “Please send me help!” she prayed. A few minutes later, Victoria was introduced to someone who told her about Nashville Rescue Mission. “I had never stayed at a shelter,” says Victoria. “It is humbling. But I am so grateful.”

 

“Having the opportunity to attend chapel every day is one of the biggest blessings of being at the Mission,” says Victoria. “The Lord is my strength, my shield and my rock. Despite this setback, I still praise Him. Plus, I know we’re just passing through. Hopefully, Frederick and I won’t need to stay much longer.”

 

Victoria is already on a waiting list for transitional housing. She is interested in taking the GED Test and has made a few contacts for finding a new job. “I’ve worked in the private security business for many years,” shares Victoria. “My security license is expired, so I’m in the process of getting it renewed. Once that’s resolved, I hope to be back to work.”

 

“The staff at the Mission has been wonderful to work with,” shares Victoria. “Diana, my case manager, has been extremely helpful. From the staff to the volunteers, everyone we’ve met has been kind, compassionate, patient and helpful. We couldn’t ask for better treatment.”

 

 

Just days before going to the Mission, a friend told Victoria she felt sure their situation would change by Wednesday. It did. Victoria considers it an answer to prayer. “I couldn’t believe it, but when we got to the Mission, they had a room just for us. It also includes a bathroom. I have since learned that a few years ago, the Mission would have had to turn us away because they couldn’t accommodate moms with boys over the age of 11. It reminds me of Mary and Joseph being turned away. I’m so thankful the Mission had room for us.”

 

“It has taken me a while to get used to living in a shelter,” shares Frederick. “It was hard at first, and with all the activity, studying has been challenging. I was also lonely. But I’ve made a lot of friends at my new school. I’m in 11th grade and looking forward to playing on the basketball and football teams. Even though most everyone is younger than me I’ve made several new friends at the Mission. It’s starting to feel like home.”

 

 

Victoria plans to volunteer at the Mission once she gets back on her feet. “I’m accustomed to giving and serving others. It’s very humbling to have to be on the receiving end, but I know God is going to use it to His glory,” shares Victoria. “You definitely can’t miss the love that is being poured out at the Mission. It flows freely. I’m hopeful for the future.”

 

Frederick also looks forward to giving back. “There’s another kid at the Mission I’ve become friends with, even though he’s a lot younger,” says Frederick. “Since I’ve been here, I’ve tried to encourage him. I know he’s really struggling. He hates being at the shelter and he doesn’t particularly like school. I’m hoping I can inspire him to do better and study more, since he needs to keep his grades up if he wants to play sports. I pray God will use me in his life.”

 

Because of generous donors like you, Victoria and her son Frederick have food, clothing and shelter during their time of need. Thank you for giving. You are changing lives.