The “Home is What You Make it” Project
Donation protected
A few months ago, a 50-year-old single mom of 5 walked through the doors of my restaurant eager for a job. As a caregiver to her two elderly parents, too, she told me that she “fell into hard times and needed a job.” Relentless and hungry for work, she stressed that she would work any and all hours.
Just talking to this woman—as brief as it was—you could tell that she was genuine and kind-hearted.
I immediately hired her as a line cook.
On the first day of work, she proved to me that she wasn’t just giving me a “pitch.” She was—and is—one of my best and most valuable team members.
About two weeks ago, though, she called out of work for personal issues. This was a bit unusual in the fact that she never called out. This then extended for 4 days. On day 5, this woman again walked through the doors of my restaurant in hysterics, fearing she would lose her job due to her absence.
Trying to speak through her tears, I learned that she was wrongly evicted from her home—which she just depleted her entire savings account for—due to mold. Though her and her family were only there about a month and the mold clearly existed prior to their arrival, she was told the house is now going to be torn down.
This poor woman is not only out of money, but out of a home.
She now lives day-to-day splitting her family up between two hotel rooms, unable to now save for a house. She confided that she was “at her end” and “losing faith.”
Seeing a person with a soul like hers—and a story like hers—inspired me to want to help in any capacity that I could. I wanted to show her that there would be people out there willing to help a neighbor in need.
This $5,000 will be used for a security deposit, first month of rent, groceries, and furniture to get back on their feet.
Because I, for one, believe that everyone deserves a second chance at getting this thing called “life” right. And I want to help be that platform to jumpstart this opportunity.
So I ask you to please help me help her.
Just talking to this woman—as brief as it was—you could tell that she was genuine and kind-hearted.
I immediately hired her as a line cook.
On the first day of work, she proved to me that she wasn’t just giving me a “pitch.” She was—and is—one of my best and most valuable team members.
About two weeks ago, though, she called out of work for personal issues. This was a bit unusual in the fact that she never called out. This then extended for 4 days. On day 5, this woman again walked through the doors of my restaurant in hysterics, fearing she would lose her job due to her absence.
Trying to speak through her tears, I learned that she was wrongly evicted from her home—which she just depleted her entire savings account for—due to mold. Though her and her family were only there about a month and the mold clearly existed prior to their arrival, she was told the house is now going to be torn down.
This poor woman is not only out of money, but out of a home.
She now lives day-to-day splitting her family up between two hotel rooms, unable to now save for a house. She confided that she was “at her end” and “losing faith.”
Seeing a person with a soul like hers—and a story like hers—inspired me to want to help in any capacity that I could. I wanted to show her that there would be people out there willing to help a neighbor in need.
This $5,000 will be used for a security deposit, first month of rent, groceries, and furniture to get back on their feet.
Because I, for one, believe that everyone deserves a second chance at getting this thing called “life” right. And I want to help be that platform to jumpstart this opportunity.
So I ask you to please help me help her.
Organizer
Dave Herrera
Organizer
East Brunswick Township, NJ