Update

Thank you so much to all of my friends who have sent donations to help.  I'm amazed at how many people have stepped up - some I haven't heard from in years who saw my facebook post.  I'm really humbled by how easily I've been able to gather enough support to keep Felicia and her kids housed for two weeks (3 counting this past week)!  They are so happy and grateful for a comfortable place to live and a stove where they can cook!

First, the positive:

Felicia is working so hard.  I told her that if I am going to ask people for money I'm going to need documentation of how it's spent (she was already providing that) and I would need documentation of the jobs she's applying for.  She's applied to at least 5 jobs in the past two days.

• She has a job interview on Tuesday for a shift manager position in a restaurant!  AND she's getting signed up to drive with GrubHub

•She's getting connected with resources in her area.  The school system has a program for homeless students that will provide bus service from wherever they've moved so they don't have to experience the disruption of changing schools.  They will also be able to provide some gas cards.

•We found a laundromat in a church that will allow people to make appointments to do a load cost-free.  That's a wonderful service, as each trip to the laundromat is about $25!

•She's been able to get some food from a local food bank.  She needs the food bank to get through until she gets her SNAP benefits. 

•Another local organization is trying to help her access childcare for her two littles (ages 2 and 3).  We are really hoping that pans out!

She wasn't able to focus on getting any of these supportive services in place when she was consumed with trying to keep her kids housed and fed each day.

Second, the challenges:

I always tell my kids that 2/3 of adult life is problem solving - but - here's the catch - it takes not only knowledge and determination but resources to solve them.  From what I can tell, Felicia has the first two in spades, but currently no resources.

For example, yesterday she called me because her car had stalled out and the oil light came on.  She was walking across a busy road to try to get some oil.  She normally puts some in every so often, but hadn't in a while because she had to prioritize food, housing and gas.  I was able to send her some of your donations for oil and thankfully the car restarted.  Crisis averted!

In order to continue accessing the food bank and to qualify for childcare, she has to have all her kids' birth certificates.  She's missing the younger two and needs to order them.  That will be around $50 that she doesn't have.  I'll help her, of course, but you can see how one small hurdle would stand in the way of getting some really vital services in place!

She is going to have to get her car checked out.  It's running a little rough and probably needs some repairs and, obviously, it's leaking oil.  We'll see, but if that's the case she will need help with that.  

Thank you all again.  Felicia is endlessly grateful!

You'll have to trust me that these two kids have adorable smiles!

If you want to help here are ways to give:

Tax Deductible Option

• Clarkston Cares - please designate your donation for Felicia, and email me your donation amount at brearob @ gmail. com (a 10% transaction fee applies)

Fastest, Non Tax Deductible

•Zelle: Brea Robinson, 770 402 6087 or brearob @ gmail .com

•Venmo: @Brea-Robinson

Please join my GroupMe Group for updates as needs arise:

It Takes A Village GroupMe

Thanks for your support!