You Put Naomi’s Family Back in a Home

 “Metro has been nothing short of life-changing”

Clothes. Family photos. Medicine. Blankets. The kids’ favorite toys.

After the final notice was taped to their door, Naomi’s family had 24 hours to finish packing as much as they could into their car. Everything else stayed.

The eviction came just weeks before Thanksgiving.

“My situation felt incredibly daunting,” says Naomi. After her husband was injured, he couldn’t work for weeks. Then Naomi’s hours started getting cut. Before the family could make a plan B, there wasn’t enough money for rent.

So they began sleeping in their car.

Every night, Naomi would try to cozy up the backseat for their two children – a 10-year-old son with autism and a little girl. She would wait until they were asleep before allowing her tears to fall. The family had no money for food. No place to call home. No foreseeable way out of the poverty that
blindsided them. “Mom, are we still going to have Thanksgiving?” her daughter asked one night.

Because of you, Naomi could say yes.

When Naomi arrived at Metro’s Holiday Tent, she expected to stand in line, pick up a box, and leave. Instead, she was met by people who looked her in the eye and said, “We’re so glad to see you!”

She received more than she could’ve asked for – a turkey, groceries, warm clothes, and gifts for the children. But you gave Naomi’s family even more.

A case manager sat down with her and helped Naomi create an exit plan out of poverty. You made it possible for her family to move into temporary
housing right before the holidays.

Today, thanks to you, Naomi’s children no longer sleep in the backseat.

Her son has resources to help with his special needs. Her husband was connected with new job opportunities and assistance paying overdue bills.
And, Naomi enrolled in a job-skills program that helped her earn certifications as a phlebotomist, medical technician, and in-home health provider.

“Metro has given me a renewed sense of confidence, equipped me with valuable skills, and provided a direction I desperately needed,” says Naomi. “I am incredibly proud of the strides I’ve made.”

On Thanksgiving Day, the family set their small table in their temporary apartment. It wasn’t the most extravagant holiday they’ve celebrated. But after living in their car, it was certainly the best.

To you, Naomi says, “My family and I are deeply grateful for the transformative support we received. Metro has been nothing short of life changing.”

“My family and I are deeply grateful for the transformative support we received.”