*originally published on Hillcrest Platte County’s blog
Jane’s Story
Jane* grew up in a single-parent home. Her mother worked hard to provide for them and always made sure Jane had what she needed. After she graduated from high school, Jane got a full-time job. She continued living at home and began contributing a little bit of her salary towards the monthly expenses. The rest of her salary was spent as she wished.
Then, Jane’s world changed forever.
Within six months after receiving a diagnosis of terminal cancer, Jane’s mother – her only family – passed away. Young Jane was suddenly on her own. Without her mother’s support, Jane soon became homeless.
She lived where she could, couch-surfing with friends and, when necessary, sleeping in her car. When her employer learned of her situation, they referred Jane to Hillcrest Platte County.
Jane realized that she had no control over her life. She was just surviving and accepted the help Hillcrest offered. After entering the Young Adult Program at Hillcrest, Jane was assigned a case manager, a budget counselor, life skills classes, and an apartment sponsor. They became her tribe.
She had work to do. Her case manager made sure Jane (insert a brief explanation here). The life skills classes taught her (again brief explanation). She met weekly with her budget counselor, an accountability partner that reviewed her income and expenses, and helped Jane manage her money.
Building a Connection
The only member of her new tribe that didn’t require anything of her was her apartment sponsor. When she moved into her apartment, she found a vase of fresh, brightly colored flowers and a small note card with her name on it. Inside the card was this message, “Hi Jane! I’m Mary**. I will be bringing your welcome meal and a few other items to help you feel at home. Please text or call me when you can.”
Jane’s case manager had told her that churches sponsored most of their apartments, and someone from her sponsoring church would be contacting her. She hadn’t had a home-cooked meal in weeks, and it sounded pretty good. She sent a text to the number Mary had left on the note.
Several hours later, there was a tap at her door, and she opened it to find a smiling face holding a cardboard box and carrying several grocery bags. During their text conversation, Mary had asked Jane if she could also bring over a few items to stock her pantry and refrigerator. Jane had been surprised when Mary asked about her favorite foods, not just bread, eggs, and milk. The grocery bags contained some of her favorite snacks and comfort foods. In the box were two square pans of enchiladas – one ready to eat and the other ready to freeze for a later meal.
Mary chatted with Jane as they put away the groceries. She shared a little about herself and let Jane know she was there for her. Mary would be checking in with her once a week to see how Jane was doing. Mary also told Jane that she and her small group at church knew she had been through a lot and they would be praying for her comfort and success.
Jane lived at Hillcrest for six months, learning how to take control of her life. She also learned how it felt to be loved unconditionally by a stranger who provided encouragement, support, and a sense of belonging. Of course, by the time Jane graduated from Hillcrest, Mary was no longer a stranger. They had built a relationship that continued beyond graduation.
You Can help
Hillcrest Platte County provides a helping hand to many of the areas homeless. What sets Hillcrest apart from other housing organizations in the area is You.
The encouragement and support received through apartment sponorship make a big difference in a resident’s success. Residents living in an apartment with an active church sponsor have a 95% greater rate of success than residents living in an unsponsored apartment. Or an apartment with an inactive sponsor.
As Christians, our calling is to build connections with those around us by showing the love of Jesus. Sometimes we show that love with a phone call to a resident in a transitional housing apartment. A call where you listen to their struggles and provide encouragement. Sometimes it’s an email that shares positive scriptures and asks if there is anything you can do for them. Or, its a gift card to a local restaurant so your resident can experience their first meal out in a very long time.
If you are called to show God’s love through human connection and would like more information regarding apartment sponsorship, contact Rebecca Sayre at rebecca@hillcrestplatte.org or (816) 877-4397.
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited in,” Matthew 25:35
*Jane is not a real person. Her story is a composite of several Hillcrest residents.
**Mary is not a real person. She is a composite of Hillcrest apartment sponsors.
