While most 16-year-olds are thinking about getting their driver’s licenses, Arteisia and other kids living at the Mission are wondering if they’ll find a permanent place to live or if their moms will find jobs.

 

 

You’d never guess Arteisia lives at a homeless shelter. She is like most high school students, but she lives at Nashville Rescue Mission, along with her sister, brother and more than 25 other kids between the ages of a few months old to 17.

 

She has moved more times than most people do in a lifetime. “This is the third high school I’ve attended this year,” shares Arteisia. “It’s too much. I don’t like moving all the time, but it has become a way of life for my family. I long for the day we will have a place to call home.”

 

  

“Moving makes it hard to keep my grades up,” shares Arteisia. “If I stay in one school, I know what to expect. I know what we’re studying. But when we move, I have no idea what they are studying at my new school. They might be behind where I was before or maybe even ahead. It just takes time to figure things out.”

 

Moving is a common thread among the kids staying at the Mission. It typically requires a change in schools, which can be challenging. Through your gifts and donations, the Mission prepares them for going back to school by providing them with backpacks filled with school supplies.

 

 

Despite the challenges, Arteisia still incredibly maintains a B+ average. She loves school and wants to pursue a college degree. She hopes to one day be a fashion designer or veterinarian.

 

“I’m hoping my mom finds a job soon so we can move into our own apartment,” says Arteisia. “Right now we stay in an open dorm and sometimes it’s hard to sleep, but you adapt. I’m just thankful for a safe place to sleep and food to eat.”

  

“I don’t think of myself as being homeless,” shares Arteisia. “When I see others in need, I want to help them in some way, even though I don’t have much.” Arteisia thinks of her situation more along the lines of being between homes. “I know we’ll get our own place soon. I just hope we can put down some roots. It would be nice to stay in one place for a while.”

 

Arteisia can’t wait to get a dog or cat when they move. “At the motel where we were staying, my friend and I found a stray cat,” shares Arteisia. “We fed her and played with her. I miss my friend and I miss the cat. Hopefully, I’ll get to visit both of them soon.”

 

It is because of your generous gifts Arteisia and her family has a safe place to stay where they can receive food, clothing and shelter while in the midst of a crisis. This allows her, and families like hers, the time and opportunity to get back on their feet.