Partner: Henrico County Public Schools Office of Family & Community Engagement

Advisor: Alexis Miller

While caring for her child with significant developmental and feeding needs, this mom experienced a serious fall in the kitchen that required surgery. Medical expenses quickly became overwhelming, placing essential car repairs out of reach. Reliable transportation is critical for medical appointments and daily care, and support will help this family stay stable during a difficult recovery period.

Partner: Safe Harbor

Advisor: Cara Boim

Miriam is a survivor of Human Trafficking and is working towards gaining back the independence that was taken by her trafficker. Miriam recently passed her learner's permit test and is now in the process of trying to obtain a Driver's License. This support would assist her in covering the cost of behind the wheel classes and ultimately help her as she continues to work towards her goals.

Partner: Peter Paul Development Center

Advisor: Chimere Miles

Ms. Williams is a wonderful and dedicated mother who not only supports her own family but also provides transportation for many children in her neighborhood. After recently having to make major repairs to her vehicle, she is now in need of assistance to cover her utility bill. Having access to running water is essential to their daily needs. For this mother having to juggle her bills remain a concern while managing life with limited funds. Your support will ensure that Ms. Williams ’can avoid the ripple effect of falling behind and avoiding another crisis

Partner: Caritas

Advisor: Donnell Wright

We have a mission of dignity and discretion! A wonderful gentleman in our community, Mr. Walker (yes, the pun is intentional because he’s a good sport!), recently had his trusty walking stick bent into a tragic, useless noodle during the last snowstorm. It was a true crime against mobility! This has left him understandably frustrated, as he values his independence and speed. He misses being able to zip back and forth without having to rely on staff assistance. To put a spring back in his step - and a twinkle back in his eye - we're secretly trying to find him a sturdy, dependable replacement cane. This isn't just a piece of equipment; it's his ticket back to full autonomy! If you happen to have a spare, reliable, adjustable cane gathering dust in a closet (perhaps one that has seen off a few rogue snow banks itself!), we would be incredibly grateful. We promise this gift will be delivered with a wink and a wave, keeping the surprise perfectly intact!

Partner: Peter Paul Development Center

Advisor: Chimere Miles

Ms. Angela, a hardworking lifelong educator and mother of two, is usually the one tirelessly securing resources to support the families she serves. However, during recent shutdowns and closures, she has had to stretch her own household funding even further than ever before. At this time, her family is in need of support. Your generosity will allow them to maintain stability while keeping their lights on. This will also give Angela the confidence boost needed as she continues doing what she does best: uplifting and assisting others in our community.

Partner: Caritas

Advisor: Donnell Wright

Ms. Marie's journey over the last five years has been defined by the profound hardship of homelessness and the extraordinary strength of a mother's love, as she consistently made the selfless choice to put the needs of her children and grandchildren first. This immense and admirable sacrifice, however, has tragically led to the severe deterioration of her own personal well-being and stability, leaving her facing an uphill battle to secure her future. She is now reaching out for community assistance to clear a paralyzing past debt: arrears owed to Henrico County for a rental property where she suffered the devastating destruction of all her belongings, a loss that compounded the pain of her instability and acts as a critical roadblock preventing her from achieving the safe, stable life she deserves after years of placing others before herself.

Partner: Caritas

Advisor: Donnell Wright

After more than a decade of enduring the extreme hardship of homelessness, Ms. Mamie, a resilient 61-year-old woman, is finally on the threshold of stability thanks to the determined efforts of the CARITAS housing team. Ms. Mamie's long history in construction has unfortunately contributed to severe, disabling health conditions, including COPD and Chronic Heart Failure, making her permanently reliant on supplemental oxygen. Moving from location to location while managing such complex health needs has been an unimaginable struggle. Now that the CARITAS team has secured her a home, we have a chance to ensure this new space is a true sanctuary; a place designed for healing and rest, not further strain. Ms. Mamie is reaching out to the community for essential household items specifically tailored to accommodate her physical limitations, allowing her to manage her breathing and conserve her fragile energy as she begins this long-awaited chapter of secure living.

Partner: Safe Harbor

Advisor: Cara Boim

Sammy is a human trafficking survivor who is trying to get back on her feet. She received an overdue toll bill that is spiraling into penalties she cannot afford. This wasn’t her fault, and the amount has grown to the point where it threatens her transportation and her ability to get to work, court, medical appointments, and safety resources. Paying it is important to avoid additional penalties and to keep her transportation stable as she works toward independence.

Partner: St. Joseph's Villa

Advisor: Drew Melson

After experiencing homelessness last year, Mae has worked hard to overcome several obstacles and is now moving into a new home with her two granddaughters. However, she lost all of her belongings and needs help starting over. Mae is in need of household essentials, including air mattresses and other supplies, to help her family settle in comfortably. Your support would mean so much to Mae and her granddaughters.

Partner: Safe Harbor

Advisor: Cara Boim

Harry recently had his car insurance debt paid off, however, when he went to reinstate his policy, he learned there is a required reinstatement fee and first month’s payment he must make before he can legally drive again. Having access to his car is essential for him to secure employment, attend appointments, and continue moving forward. Your support will help him reinstate his insurance, regain his independence, and take the next step toward stability.

Partner: Caritas

Advisor: Donnell Wright

We are asking our compassionate community to rally around Ms. Dorthy, who is facing significant hardship and urgently needs our support to keep her belongings safe while we search for stable housing. Recently deemed disabled by the state and unable to work due to debilitating health issues, including diabetes and partial blindness, Ms. Dorthy has just been discharged from her prior stable care arrangement with her son. These possessions represent her memories, dignity, and the foundations of her future home, and losing them to an unpaid storage bill would be a devastating setback during this vulnerable time. Your immediate financial assistance is vital to cover these storage costs, offering Ms. Dorthy a crucial lifeline and preserving her essential items as we desperately work to secure her a safe and permanent place to live. Would you like me to suggest specific ways people can donate to help Ms. Dorthy?

Partner: St. Joseph's Villa

Advisor: Drew Melson

Elena has been working hard to rebuild her life since enrolling in Flagler Housing & Homeless Services this September. After facing multiple setbacks in her housing search, she was finally approved for a new home and recently signed her lease. However, because she lost all of her belongings while experiencing homelessness, she is starting over with nothing. She urgently needs basic items, including living room furniture, kitchen essentials, and other household supplies, to settle comfortably into her new home. Your support would mean the world to her as she begins this new chapter.

Partner: Peter Paul Development Center

Advisor: Chimere Miles

Mr. Alexander is a retired community member who remains actively involved and dedicated to supporting those around him. Despite his ongoing commitment, he, like many others, has faced recent challenges and has fallen behind on his November rent payment. Mr. Alexander has reached out for support to cover this month’s rent, which will allow him to get back on track and move forward steadily into December.

Partner: Caritas

Advisor: Donnell Wright

Ms. Liwa is facing a severe crisis combining an urgent medical need for pneumonia treatment with profound instability in her employment and legal status. Despite her best efforts to secure reliable work, she is caught in a cycle of short-lived jobs, which prevents her from building the necessary savings to cover both her immediate healthcare costs and the essential fee for renewing her green card. This continuous insecurity is a significant barrier to her long-term well-being and stability. By reaching out to the community for assistance, Ms. Liwa is seeking a critical lifeline to bridge the financial gap, allowing her to prioritize her health and secure her legal status, which are the fundamental steps needed to finally achieve stable employment and housing recovery.

Partner: St. Joseph's Villa

Advisor: Drew Melson

After months of hurdles and uncertainty while experiencing homelessness, Lucy finally secured safe, stable housing and signed her lease in October. She has worked tirelessly with her Housing Stabilization Case Manager to get to this point. Now, she’s starting over with almost nothing. After losing all of her belongings during a previous period of housing instability, she is in urgent need of basic essentials, including an air mattress, to settle into her new home. Lucy would be deeply grateful for your support!

Partner: Safe Harbor

Advisor: Cara Boim

Ivan recently exited a trafficking situation and is working hard to rebuild his life. He does have a vehicle, but his car insurance has lapsed because he hasn’t been able to keep up with the payments. Your support in helping Ivan reinstate his insurance would ensure he has reliable transportation to get to work and continue moving forward.

Partner: Caritas

Advisor: Donnell Wright

We are thrilled to announce a huge victory for Ms. Crenshaw: she is finally moving into her own apartment! After battling vital organ failure and enduring rigorous dialysis treatments alongside three stays in emergency shelter over the last two years, this fresh start is monumental. Tragically, she lost all her belongings due to the unaffordable cost of storage during her homelessness. As she sets up her new space, we are reaching out to the greater Richmond community for help with essential home furnishings, particularly those unique items needed to sustain her physical health through dialysis. Let's provide Ms. Crenshaw with the dignity, comfort, and security she deserves, allowing her to turn this empty space into a true home and focus entirely on her physical recovery.

Partner: Henrico County Public Schools Office of Family & Community Engagement

Advisor: Alexis Miller

Xiomara is seeking assistance with their water bill after a difficult transition from an unsafe apartment that failed to meet basic maintenance standards. Moving into a safer home required them to use most of their savings for the new security deposit and moving cost, leaving them struggling to catch up on essential bills. Despite working hard to regain stability, the unexpected expenses of relocation have created a temporary financial strain. Support with their water bill would help this family stay on track and continue building a stable, secure environment for their children.

Partner: Caritas

Advisor: Donnell Wright

Since Thanksgiving of 2024, Ms. Lee has faced the profound hardship of homelessness, yet she continues to demonstrate incredible resilience within our shelter. She is tirelessly searching for employment, pouring all her effort into finding a life-changing job. Heartbreakingly, Ms. Lee has come agonizingly close to securing these opportunities, only to face disappointment at the final stage for reasons outside her control. This continuous diligence requires her to maintain a crucial lifeline: her phone. The ability to receive that vital call-back is essential to keeping her hope alive. We are urgently reaching out to the community for support to cover her phone bill for the month of November, ensuring she can continue her determined journey toward stability.

Partner: Caritas

Advisor: Donnell Wright

Ms. Marsh is currently facing immense challenges, experiencing joblessness and housing insecurity, having sought refuge in a shelter on three separate occasions. Her primary need right now is a lifeline: a phone. This simple device is crucial for her to stay in vital contact with the medical professionals who are guiding her mental and and physical health journey. Despite recommendations to rest, Ms. Marsh is courageously striving for financial stability to secure the foundation she desperately needs: stable housing and consistent care for her mental and physical well-being. A phone is the essential first step in this difficult journey, offering her the connection and hope she needs to move forward.