My husband, Denzel, and I met in school in our hometown in Georgia. After my mother and grandmother passed away, our family dynamic shifted in ways I wasn’t prepared for. I knew  I wanted a more stable, supportive environment to raise our children. Together, we made the decision to move to Florida for a fresh start.  

But shortly after we arrived, Hurricane Helene struck the area. Overnight, our fresh start turned into a struggle for survival. For six months, we lived in our car with our four children  — and I was pregnant with our fifth. Trying to apply for jobs without an address or a stable roof over our heads felt nearly impossible. Then, finally, we were connected to HEP. 

In January 2025, we entered HEP’s Permanent Supportive Family Housing Program, and it has truly changed our lives. As a parent, there is immense pressure to stay strong, to provide, and to hold everything together, even when you feel like you’re falling apart. It broke my heart knowing my children could sense something was wrong. HEP gave us the stability we needed to regain our footing and begin rebuilding our lives.  

When it was time to enroll our children back in school, HEP provided backpacks,  lunchboxes, and every item on their supply lists. My husband and I began working with the  Workforce Development Center, where staff helped us build resumes and connect with sustainable job opportunities. After attending a career fair, Denzel secured a position with  Ruth Eckerd Hall.  

We now attend Money Matters classes to learn financial planning and budgeting skills, and we’ve even been able to access care through the on-site Dental Clinic, where the staff treats us with such kindness and dignity.