Tammy and Gabby’s Story
There’s nothing easy about being a single mother, but Tammy was managing just fine.
She worked two jobs to provide a home for her son and daughter, even making sure there was enough money for them to participate in the school sports they loved. Everything changed when Tammy had a stroke in November 2015. “It was a very hard time for us,” Tammy admitted through tears. “I had to learn to talk, walk, use my entire right side again.” Tammy also suffered from dangerous seizures and was unable to return to work.
While waiting for her disability payments to begin, Tammy cashed out her 401K. After two years, the funds ran out, and so did Tammy’s options.
“It took me a long time to ask for help,” she told us. “I’m a very independent person. I’ve always worked hard. But my baby needed a roof over her head.”
As her son had graduated from high school, Tammy and her 11-year-old daughter, Gabby, were on their own. Tammy went to the Salvation Army, and they referred her to the Pathway Home shelter program at Mel Trotter Ministries.
“Everyone was very helpful,” Tammy said. “Molly, our Pathway Home advocate, made everything go smoothly with my health issues. She was there every step of the way, very positive, and always kept us encouraged.”
During their four months at Pathway Home, Tammy took as many educational and finance classes as she could. She and Gabby enjoyed activities with other families, such as going to the park and a nearby ranch. After a brief time at a transitional home for families, Tammy and Gabby were finally able to put down roots in a home they could call their own.
I don’t think people realize how many families are struggling.
Remembering when she was given the keys, Tammy said, “I cried, I was so happy.” Energetic Gabby loves the tree in the front yard, as well as having her own personal space and her animals.
Looking ahead, Tammy plans to enter a program that will make her eligible to buy a house in several years. In the meantime, she wants Gabby to get the best education she can.
“I don’t think people realize how many families are struggling,” Tammy told us.
“They don’t understand what being homeless entails, but there is help out there and we are proof.” Thank you for helping Tammy and Gabby turn the page and overcome homelessness!
