This is an update on the homeless family I've been trying to help. Please see the previous diaries listed at the end for the whole story. Also, I must apologize. I have been leaving out the 'y' in Makayla's name. When I get a chance I will go back to correct all the previous diaries. GoFundMe site is here: http://www.gofundme.com/...
I know I promised a photo diary, but I just spent most of the day chasing my son around OMSI and didn't get many. However, I will post some photos Chelsie sent me below the fold. I did get a shot just before we crossed the parking lot from the streetcar:
Actually, we first went to the city fair. When I heard the prices I expressed my surprise and asked them if they would be okay with a trip to OMSI. (Plus it was pretty hot, and I didn't really want to be out during the worst of it.) Fortunately the kids were excited to go, and it didn't take that long to get there on public transit.
So we ended up at the science museum on $2 entry day. I also paid for them to go to see Monkey Kingdom at the Empirical Theater. They really liked that. Unfortunately I can't give a review because I didn't think my son would be able to sit through it. We spent our time having a late lunch and then running around.
I don't actually know what they did the rest of the time (because of the aforementioned 2yo with unlimited energy). Typical kid stuff, I presume. It sounded like they had a blast.
We left around closing time. The streetcar was delayed some time because an RV caught fire (yes, I did eventually see it) near the line and emergency vehicles were blocking the way. But it did give us some time to talk.
I asked them what they were going to do next. We talked about a number of options. They liked the motor home idea (even after seeing the burnt out RV), but that would still be a logistical challenge and require some intense fundraising. I'd be willing to give it a go; just not optimistic about it as a short-term solution.
We talked about tent camping. I've got a bit of backpacking equipment they could borrow, but without legal camping in the vicinity it's not likely to happen.
Then there are night shelters. They don't want to go back to that, but it might happen. Even those are in short supply, though.
I told her to send me numbers for the family shelters and I would call. I know it won't do any good, but I'll try.
The family really wants an apartment, but there are waiting lists for the apartments they can get into. Other apartments won't accept them. I got on my soapbox a little bit about these companies treating people as statistics, which of course wasn't all that helpful. But they are still looking, and I'm going to call a few on their behalf.
Terrance may not be able to go to his JOBS class tomorrow because they have to find a place to be after they check out of the hotel tomorrow morning.
I told them to stay in touch and that I would keep trying to help them. Chelsie gave me a hug and then I hopped off of the train. It was hard for me; I can't even imagine what they are going through right now.
We did some good, and I can't thank you all enough for the support. Chelsie says she wants to write a personal thank you. I'll post it when I get it.
I just wish I had a happy ending for you. Not tonight. Hopefully soon.
Previous fundraising diaries are here:
Please help me help them
Smiles, gout, and the wait for shelter
Finding jobs while homeless (and roses)
How do you tell a homeless child that they have to go back to the emergency shelter?
A trip to the zoo with a homeless family
Makala is homeless