Tis the season of giving and this year more than ever we are seeing people struggling in ways that are heartbreaking. If you can join me in helping Katie and Eli secure a stable home I am asking you to please do so. Every dollar will help them.

I have known Katie for 10 years and through that time have witnessed her navigate hard times while being an amazing mother , employee, teacher and person. Katie has known her share of struggles and her resilience has shined through each step. Growing up in the NC Foster Care system Katie persevered and graduated from UNC Charlotte with a Bachelors in Social Work. Katie has been an advocate for child welfare and was heavily involved with securing Kilah’s Law in NC during the Obama administration. She is passionate about children and families and gives back to the community as best she can.

Eli was born in 2016 to an abusive father who was never involved in his life and has since passed away. In August 2019, Eli was diagnosed with an epilepsy disorder ( BRE) which caused Katie to miss a lot of work at the Charlotte Jewish Preschool and the JCC subsequently losing her full time employment. Katie was unemployed from January 2021 until Aug 2021 however, was able to do some nannying to help with her living costs. Even with her best efforts, in August she and Eli became homeless and were living in her car. When they called me 4 weeks ago we were able to help them by securing extended stay for 4 weeks. That is obviously not sustainable.

In August 2021 Katie began a wonderful job that pays her a salary that should allow her and Eli to rent an apartment and provide for essentials.. Through the generosity of a local property owner, Katie and Eli are being given that opportunity and will be moving in in the coming days. For those of you who have known Eli, you can only imagine how excited he is to have a

permanent “home”. His quick wit, laughter and smile will surely brighten up their new community.

My goal is to raise $3,000 to help them with the security deposit and fees and perhaps help get them through the first month of rent. Any amount will help.

Please reach out to me if you have any questions.