During the holiday season, there are families, individuals, and US Veterans across our community facing uncertainty, instability, and fear because they are living in cars, the woods, on the streets traumatized by homelessness. Your gift puts joy in their hearts because you help them to believe that they really can be home for Christmas.
Ashley’s Story — From Hopelessness to Home
Ashley, an eight-year Army veteran and single mother of three boys, including one who is non-verbal and, on the spectrum, was among these families faced with hopelessness. After the economic downturn and the long ripple effects of COVID-19 forced the closure of her small restaurant business, one setback led to another. She lost her vehicle, then her apartment, homeless. For the first time in her life, she felt completely defeated.
Your gift during this season of gratitude changes lives like Ashley’s and her children’s.
Yes, Michael!
I want to give back to veteran families facing their own traumatic battles with homelessness. I don’t want a single family to have to live on the streets.
A fellow veteran told her about St. Vincent de Paul CARES (SVdP CARES). With nowhere else to turn, Ashley reached out. Less than 24 hours later, she received a call that changed the trajectory of her life. By the next day, she and her children were placed in a hotel safe, sheltered, and no longer trying to survive alone and in fear.
Beyond Shelter — A Path to Stability and Self-Sufficiency
Her SVdP CARES case manager, Elana, moved with urgency and compassion. Within just seven days, she secured a four-bedroom townhouse for Ashley and her children and was able to focus on beginning to work on a plan to become self-sufficient. After months of instability and trauma, the boys finally had their own rooms, a place to call home, and the security every child deserves. With a stable foundation beneath her, Ashley began to rebuild her confidence, her independence, and hope for a better tomorrow.
The support did not end once Ashley had housing. Fourteen months later, her case manager continues to walk beside her, helping her strengthen her footing and move forward with dignity. One extraordinary moment came when Elana helped Ashley apply for and receive a vehicle through a community car giveaway. The 2024 Chevy Equinox SUV provided Ashley with independence, opportunity, and the ability to fully provide for her family.
Every act of kindness, big and small, reminded her that she was not alone on this journey.
Ashley gives thanks each day for her children, for her resilience, and now—with heartfelt certainty for St. Vincent de Paul CARES. The compassion and care she received gave her family a second chance in life. The community’s support helped her stand out again. And the dedication of SVdP CARES continues to transform lives just like hers.
The SVdP CARES Impact Since 2013
Since 2013, SVdP CARES programs have helped thousands of individuals and families find safe shelter, nutritious meals, and most importantly, permanent, stable housing that restores dignity and hope, and sets them on the path to long term self-sufficiency.
Your gift this Christmas holiday season assures that with hard work, determination, and a caring community of support, moms like Ashley can believe in blessed todays and bright tomorrows.
Sincerely,
Michael Raposa
CEO, SVdP CARES
P.S. The need is great, and there are many more families, individuals, and US Veterans waiting for help. Your generosity changes the trajectory of entire households, helping them find a home, build stability, and create a future filled with hope and possibility.
Your Gift Brings Blessed Todays and Bright Tomorrows
This is the heart of holiday giving for families and veteran homelessness — turning compassion into permanent change.