A story of faith and and perseverance
Shatoka’s life has been a whirlwind of upheaval. She has fought hard to secure steadiness for nine kids. There is a quiet strength that emanates from her words. “I don’t want them thinking I’m a bad mom because I can’t keep a roof over their heads.”
It’s a pain no parent should bear, but she has met it with remarkable perseverance.
Shatoka’s kids range from ages 2 to 17 years old. They’ve faced more instability in their young lives than most do in a lifetime. They’ve faced evictions, brief hotel stays and even one night in a Walmart parking lot. This has been their harsh reality for the last six years.
“It’s difficult because of the size of my family and a past eviction,” Shatoka explains, with her head down. Despite having a supportive landlord, a job loss caused her eviction. Her path to stability seemed elusive.
In the past, landlords have given her a chance. Now, they’ve rejected her at every opportunity. They think her household is too large and her circumstances too fraught. Living a life of uncertainty is a vicious cycle that seems to never loosen its grip.
She’s lived months in hotels, spending as much as $1,800 a month. Reality struck hard when Shatoka realized she had no other options. With nowhere else to turn, she called Freedom House.
It was less about admitting defeat and more about accepting that she needed help. “The hardest part of being a mother at a shelter is getting my kids to listen and understand the situation.”
During these difficult times, she found strength in her faith. “It’s God that motivates me because I go through depression and if I don’t rely on him, I won’t stay strong for my kids.”
Despite the challenges, Shatoka resolved to make the most of the opportunity. The staff at Freedom House embraced her family with kindness. They did so from the moment they arrived. At Freedom House, Shatoka received more than a roof over her head, but a pathway to a better future. “This place is helping me rebuild my family’s life until I find my own home,” she said.
They are nearing the end of a year at Freedom House. Shatoka recently secured an apartment through EPH (Ecumenical Partnership for Housing), which will pay her rent for a year. This lifeline will allow her to save, rebuild her credit and work towards home ownership.
“I don’t care what other people think of my situation,” Shatoka said. “I am doing everything I can to put my family in the best situation. I want what’s best for my kids and myself.”
Shatoka’s story is a testament to the power of community and faith. Her favorite Bible verse is James 1:2-4. It guides her: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” With Freedom House and her unwavering faith, Shatoka is on the path to a stable, loving home for her children.
“If I can do it, anyone can do it,” she says with a smile. The road ahead is long. Shatoka’s resilience shines with fierce determination. It’s fueled by love for her children and faith that better days lie ahead.