Project story
Hello,my name is Sonja and I am a friend of James and Rhonda. I am taking the lead on this fundraiser to help alleviate some of the stress from their shoulders and allow them to focus on getting back in the game. These two have been my friends for many years and I want to do everything I can to help them. The situation they are currently living in took them completely by surprise. They are financially responsible and maintain a household budget for bills and expenses that is rarely ignored. They don't spend money on frivolous items and rarely splurge on unnecessary products for entertainment or compulsion. It's a situation that any of us could end up being in. Sometimes there's nothing we can do to avoid the inevitable, how we face it though is ours to control. tiny house to little Saab 9-2X Hatchback, a situation that can be changed. Living in your vehicle should never be the issue but this is reality and life doesn't play fair every time. This is their story and the plan to get back to being normal, productive contributors to society and the community they know and love.
Homebound Happiness: Their Journey Home:
Their year has started off with high expectations and a few opportunities to improve their lives. Everyday is another chance to be better than they were. Their moto is "There's always room for self improvement" . However, life has a way of catching you off guard and leaving you blindsided. These are the times we find out how much stamina and endurance we actually have. Where we are put to the test and must strive to be more than we thought we were capable of being. The benefits are hard to see when you're facing difficulties in life but they are there. This is how my good friends ended up where they are now. When James and Rhonda woke up for work November 3rd they were completely unaware of the upcoming changes they would face. The company they worked for had to file bankruptcy after several months of financial setbacks. They had hired James and Rhonda earlier in the year but the damage was irreversible. The owners had known James for many years and knew he was a hard worker and he would be dedicated to helping the company recover. The financial problems were bigger than James and Rhonda were aware of and couldn't have predicted the outcome. The effort was noted by all on everyone's part but the inevitable conclusion remained unavoidable. The job had come with the perks of renting a tiny house from the bosses, this had made it impossible to pass up at the time. And this was the cataclysmic event that sent two hard working people into a situation they weren't prepared for. They had a small savings and thought they would have a little time to prepare before they were expected to move. Unfortunately that would be another drastic hit they had to navigate. Being unemployed, having only a small savings and the steady income is suddenly gone, I am left them with no choice but to begin the chore of moving out of the tiny house they had called home for over half of the year. Dio, their three year old rescued Belgian malinois was happy in the tiny house with the big fenced in yard. He ran around barking at squirrels and being happy and hyper. He waited inside while his parents were at work because it was hot even in the fall. Being a malinois is difficult work in a climate like Texas but his tiny house kept him nice and cool all day. He would be waiting for them by the door when they got home every night. This was his favorite time because he got to chase squirrels, bark at stuff and spend time with his parents. The sudden upheaval was a shock to the sweet boy but he is resilient and always goes with the flow. He doesn't like living in the Saab but he has adjusted by making the cargo area his unofficial room. He remains happy and upbeat but it's hard on him at times although he never complains. The challenges have not affected their motivation to get back to the place they were before and even better than before.
They are working to make a steady income but there hasn't been a steady flow of work lately. Not having the little things can take a toll on someone, even the strongest have been known to fold under such stress as these two are facing. Not having a refrigerator to keep food cold is expensive and takes a large portion of their income to buy just a few things. The work they get helps pay for the essentials and pay for a motel room occasionally but usually it's not enough. In the face of unrelenting obstacles and struggles the plan to get out of this situation is unwavering. Their plan is both simple and effective in their eyes are set in the prize that awaits them. This is the breakdown of the plan and goal:
The Determination and Drive: : The path to success is not an easy one to take but if anyone is up to the challenge it's these two hard working people. They have both worked since they were eighteen years old and have had steady employment continuously throughout their lives. They have been taxpayers and been an assest to society along the way. They had to face the financial challenge when Rhonda was laid off from her job as a license insurance agent with a reputable company in 2023. The company laid off over 300 employees during the merger they had undergone. The sudden loss of a substantial income was upsetting but they were more prepared at that time. This hit was completely out of left field and they hadn't had time to prepare for what they were about to be facing. This is the master plan and the goal they are going to be striving to accomplish until they are in a home once again.
Their plan is simple and effective in many ways for them and success is easy to achieve. The benefits that will stir the population and ignite the energy within each individual and cause something to start.
The Plan and Goal:
March 2026:
- Find a decent dependable and reliable van either for sale, trade or free.
- Schedule a meeting for inspection of the van.
- Buy/acquire the van.
They aren't looking for a handout but a hand up! They will work for the donations so they reach their goal faster.
WHAT THEY HAVE TO OFFER:
- This is an offer to donors who need something done that would require them to hire someone to complete. Call them a call to schedule an evaluation and bid for your job. Examples: installation of landscaped lighting and timing system, repair fencing, etc
Work for Donations: Trade labor for donations so that both the donors and individual win the win. The job would match the donation. You name the job and they will schedule an evaluation and provide an estimate for that specific job requested.
Both Rhonda and James have knowledge and experience in life management skills and can help you with the more difficult tasks. They are also experienced in carpenter work, shade tree mechanics and more!
For Trade: They have their 2005 Saab 9-2X Hatchback Linear, 5 speed, dependable and reliable car to trade for a dependable van. Their Saab is trusty and gets great gas mileage. They drove to Little Rock, AR from Conroe, TX last September and then they drove from little Rock, AR all the way to San Francisco, CA. They drove up and down the coast of California several times before they settled in Barstow in mid January before heading back to Texas in March 2025. There are some cosmetic issues and she needs some TLC but she is sturdy and solid as far as mechanics are concerned. The Saab 9-2X is a very dependable little car and would be a great vehicle for anyone who drives.
All contributions help no matter the amount. A contribution of $1 0
No amount is too small or not enough. When people are facing the challenges that James and Rhonda are, every thing helps.
- $10 pays for gas or buys some food.
- $25 pays for their food and bare necessities
- $65 pay motel room im
- $130 Motel, laundry, gas, and food.
Every donor in the immediate area will be eligible for the the trade and can schedule an evaluation and bid for the job. This way both parties win!
A lead on a van for trade or sale. Perhaps you know someone who has a van they aren't using and just sitting in the driveway taking up space. This would be a wonderful opportunity for them that would put them closer to the goal. You never know how much that little gesture can help someone until you make it.
Life has become difficult for many Americans and they know not everyone can help them. They only ask that you share their story so they can reach as many people as possible. Anyhing is something no matter what in their eyes and whatever you do is greatly appreciated! Thank you for seeing their story and sharing it with others! You're contribution is appreciated and will benefit them tremendously.
Here is the link to their fundraiser to make it easier to share with others. Thank you for your contribution! Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Thank you,
Sonja Medford
Organizer
