Arms of Hope Update
By Leslie Salinas, Marilyn Flores, and Patrick Lemmons
Here are a few stories that illustrate the continued fruits of the partnership between Arms of Hope and Impact.
Julio Contreras is a single father of two beautiful children, who have been living with him since their mother left the state. Mr. Julio was working in construction but was let go, and he has been doing odd jobs ever since. He had some money saved, but the inconsistency of work led him to becoming late with his rent payment. When he came to us Mr.Julio was extremely worried because they had given him a notice to vacate the apartment and he did not have a plan on where to take his family. We were able to help him with his rent, and thankfully three days later he was blessed with a full time job.
He was extremely excited about this blessing, and also felt very grateful for the assistance that we were able to provide. He was also very grateful for Impact, because for the past couple of months he has been depending on Impact’s food pantry. Let us continue to pray for Mr.Julio as he works hard to raise his children.
Ms.Kimberly Mitchell is an amazing mother with a beautiful 8yo daughter. Ms.Kimberly is on a 10-month contract with a local school district but off without pay in the summer for two months. Her daughter’s father is the one who usually covers the expenses during the two months that she does not work, but unfortunately he passed away at the beginning of the summer. The passing was unexpected and Ms. Mitchell was not prepared. She was challenged emotionally and financially, and it was a difficult time for her and her daughter. After her assessment she received the attention that she needed to make it through this difficult time and avoid homelessness. We are encouraging her to visit with our licensed counselor while she also receives money management skills.
Ms. G is a single mother of a 5 yr old who we met at an Impact homeless event. She arrived on a bus with her daughter on a cold and rainy Monday in Houston, and she described to us how she had been at another local homeless organization praying because they had not had any breakfast and she didn’t know where she was going to sleep that night with her daughter.
Then a bus showed up and brought them to a warm meal at Impact, where she asked a minister for help. Ms. G is employed but due to life circumstances has not been able to maintain a lease. She has been staying in hotels with her daughter, but recently had her debit card stolen and her money taken.
That day we did an assessment and organized a plan for her. We also took her to the Impact Resale Shop, where she was able to get free clothes for herself and her daughter. Although we didn’t solve her problems in that instant, she felt hopeful and embraced. Before she left, she reminded me that God intervened in her life that day and she wasn’t going to forget it. She attended bible study that Friday and also came to Sunday service. We are still working with Ms. G and continuing to pray for her and her daughter!
