Have a heart for Pat
Here is her story, told in her words, about the hurts from the past that led her to become homeless, the help she currently receives at Serve City, and the hope she holds for her future moving forward.
Hurt – I lived with mom. Mom got sick. I cared for her and eased things for her. She went into the hospital. Then she died. It was hard. I stayed in a hotel with my daughter. The money ran out to pay rent, and we became homeless.
Help – Then I came to Serve City. I met nice people. I had a roof over my head. I’d rather live in shelter than in the cold. I didn’t want to walk streets packing [a weapon to protect myself]. I would rather eat and stay warm. Like home. I was safe with no worries. I loved being a resident. I was good. I felt stuffed when I went to bed. If I saw a snack I’d run! I had a good time. I met a lot of people and had fun. I got to know people. It was so exciting for me. I thought, This is not so bad. Why didn’t I come before? It was like a comedy, and I had a ball. I became angelic because I had an outgoing personality and the way I treated people. I prayed, not to have to leave. I wanted to make it home. I was comfortable. I was here 90 days. I left after 91 days and went to the Step 2 apartment. I was planted and fine. I enjoyed it. I didn’t know how to act with a stove and fridge. For free! My daughter, Tina, came right after me. Now we live together. My daughter is happy. You can’t work it any better than that.
Hope – Now I’m finding out new things and meeting new people. I have a full head on curiosity for things to get involved in. Like the process of getting help and the connections I get to make. It is good for me. It’s a learning process - to learn a lot in time. I enjoy a lot of things. I catch on as I go. Step by step. I have a good a time. I’ve been thinking of a place mom wanted me to have. She wanted me to find a place for me to feel comfortable and call my own. To not worry and be safe. For me to be able to do the things I used to do as a family, but myself. I had a lot of time to work it out. When the time comes, I’ll be ready.
Pat describes herself and the way others at Serve City see her as “angelic”.
Please have a heart for Pat, an angelic woman.
To give to our Love Your Neighbor campaign please click the logo to donate online. To mail donations please send to:
Serve City 622 East Ave Hamilton, Ohio 45011.
*All proceeds will go to benefits our residents.
To learn more about the steps of our Move Forward housing program click here.