New total: $101,661
www.arm-al.org/give Text “give” 1-334-459-9366
Now out of the shack and so impressed with the generosity, I want to share this story with you.
“I have been homeless. I lived in my car in the Opelika Walmart parking lot for three years,” softly remarked the gentlemen who visited me at the shack. “I have heard you on the radio and wanted to see what this was about”.
Neatly dressed and well groomed, I would have never guessed he was homeless. He does not consider himself homeless anymore. Although he does not have interior plumbing or septic, he is in an old shed that does not leak. Despite having asbestos particles falling on him, he feels safe. Homeless can mean so many things. By some government definitions, not having a permanent address where you can accept mail in your name. Substandard housing for us means structures that are unsafe, un-weatherized, and leak. I was moved when this gentleman put some money in the “Wheelbarrow of Change”. Handing him my card and contact information, I told him he could contact us anytime. I prayed a silent prayer.
ARM does not address homelessness outright. Repairing homes keeps people in safe spaces and allows our seniors too age in place. It is more about homelessness prevention. Hearing the man’s story reminded me again of the importance of our mission and vision to create sustainable homes and strong families.
As we close out this week and prepare to go home, I am grateful. Last year, I had to replace my heat pump in the middle of the heat wave. It was expensive and I had to finance the unit. I have options. But what if I were like Ms. McIntosh or Ms. Matthews on a fixed income? Could I finance it? Would I have thousands of dollars saved? It seems choices are severely limited.
Thank you for helping us yet again! Your prayers, your time, and your finances make the difference! We love you and so do our families!!!! We are up to $68,000! Still a ways to go towards $125,000. www.arm-al.org/give Text “give” 1-334-459-9366
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