My Nonprofit Reviews

A homeless shelter? A phrase I never imagined in my 54 years of life describing as my residence.
I had a decent middle class life. I left home in New England 1982, enlisted in the United States Air Force, got married, had a child and for 18 years enjoyed being the "Kool-Aid" mom.
2003, changed my serene existance forever.
My husband of 21 years, retired Air Force 1st Sgt, Licensed National Board Certified Mental Health Counselor was arrested for abusing the female inmates he was trusted to help.
He obviously lost his job, license, reputation and will to even try. We divorced a year later, and my daughter graduated high school and left for college. two people out of my family of three were gone, I found a job after a short time, but my stress and coping skills didn't jive. I gave up.
My ex left without looking back, agreed to division of property in court, but fell short of fulfilling that.
I eventually lost my job, then my house. I went to stay with family in Atlanta, but needed to come back to Florida.
The friends I enjoyed at one time, no longer answered messages, phone calls, even face to face visits.
I spent through my savings staying at hotels and even my vehicle. I was homeless.
I tried several places to stay, but the religious requirements and lack of opportunity at these places, to seek employment left me no choice to leave them.
I felt literally at the "end of my rope" Suicidal and despondent.
One more call, the Mission of Citrus.
I was more than welcomed. I was thanked. I served this country in the USAF, and Jim Sleighter wants no vet to ever be without. I had a home.
I contribute no where near what it must take to make this possible for me and other women, vet or not. I can without doubt, help with household chores, cook, clean, seek employment, with the secure feeling of a safe place to live.
My story is abominable to me, but I find myself wondering what is the face of homeless in America? The PTA mom/vet , the young mother with substance issues, the Wall Street banker?
It can happen anytime to anyone. I was more than fortunate to come across the Mission in Citrus. I hope this saving grace of a place can continue to be a save haven for those who fall short and need the "hand up not the hand out". Any agency, private or public that can contribute to help this home help other women like myself, get back out there to normalcy, helps end this homelessness.