by Craig Dirkes
Three years ago, life couldn’t have been harder for Alyssa and her young son. They had just moved into an apartment of their own after Alyssa had secured a good job—only to lose both when the pandemic hit.
“The timing couldn’t have been worse,” Alyssa said. “People don’t imagine themselves ever being homeless, but it can happen to anyone.”
Alyssa and her son were forced to spend their nights in Alyssa’s car. Desperate for help, she contacted the St. Paul Citadel, Minn., Corps and received food and gas cards to get by. She had been to The Salvation Army previously for help with food and utility bills, plus Christmas gifts for her son through the Army’s partnership with the Thielen Foundation.
After learning about Alyssa’s grim situation, caseworker Kristy suggested she enroll in Pathway of Hope, which would provide mentoring, encouragement, structure and resources to change her and her son’s life.
Alyssa enrolled immediately and with Kristy’s help she was able to create a resumé, sharpen her interviewing skills, and secure a good job at a local church; get an eviction expunged from her rental history; find a new apartment, thanks in part to recommendation letters written by Kristy; secure a laptop and internet service; and work on completing her GED (general equivalency degree). Today, Alyssa is on the path to success.
“I’m not sure where I’d be now if it weren’t for The Salvation Army,” Alyssa said. “Their support and encouragement has given me hope for what lies ahead.”
