Meet Florence: A Life You Helped Change
Need
Florence first went to Miriam’s Kitchen for help four years ago. She was homeless and living under a bridge just a few miles from Miriam's Kitchen.
For the first year or so, Florence would go for breakfast, eat and leave. A debilitating mental illness and a history of trauma left her feeling distrustful of others, and even Miriam’s Kitchen Case Managers couldn't always connect with her.
They knew that having safe, reliable housing would have a big impact on her life though, and worked tirelessly to find a place for Florence to call her own.
After months of hard work, they found an apartment for Florence. Unfortunately, she wasn't ready to accept it yet.
Miriam’s Kitchen Case Managers continued to build a trusting relationship with Florence. They saw flashes of the demons fighting inside of her that kept her out on the streets, but also glimmers of hope that one day she might be ready to accept the apartment that was waiting for her.
Solution
Finally, last year - Christmas Eve to be exact - Florence was ready to move inside.
The only hurdle remaining was making sure all of her clothes were freshly laundered. One of Miriam’s Kitchen Case Managers found an open laundromat and spent all day alongside Florence, washing her clothes and preparing her to sleep inside for the first time in four years.
By 5 pm on Christmas Eve, Florence was moved into her new home.
Impact
Miriam’s Kitchen has continually checked in with Florence throughout the year and is pleased to report that she is doing well now. It’s been about 1 year since Florence moved into her new home and she remains grateful for the housing that was made possible for her thanks to the help of supporters like you.
It's only with your support that Miriam’s Kitchen is able to serve guests like Florence. There are more than 6,500 homeless men and women living on the streets of Washington, DC on any given night – many in a similar situation as Florence. Thanks for your continued support and helping make their dreams come true.
