PLEASE READ AND DONATE FOR HOUSING AND FOOD

Hi, my name is Marla and I recently met Tameera and her 2 adorable kids in the chase bank parking lot on 69th St. I've noticed them there over the past few weeks, I see the little boy approaching people in the parking lot.

He approached me yesterday, knocked on my window at the light. Caught me off guard, this very sweet & polite little boy, telling me how his family is having hard times and asking if I could help them.

It’s moments like this, that I realize I never have cash on me, I attempted the Chase ATMs, but they were all broken. I assured him I would come back in a few minutes and asked if an adult was with him. He said that his mom and sister were over there by the bushes..

When I came back, I met his little sister and mother Tameera & heard their story! It has been a rough year for this family! The 16 year old brother, who helped take care of his younger siblings while mom was working, got arrested last year and is still awaiting trial. From what I can tell a good kid, but unfortunate circumstances + poor decision making ended him in jail.

That's when this families lives took a downward spiral. What I can tell you is that they don’t have a place to stay and have had some scary encounters! They have been in and out of shelters the past year getting the runaround. They get hotel rooms when she can get enough money, or finds work but sometimes are left to the streets. She’s in the lottery for section 8 housing, which is a waiting game and no guarantee!

This is a loving family going through a hard time! These kids are awesome! So smart and full of life! Little boy is an honor roll student, and in the 5000 role models program with FIU. The Little girl is adorable and apparently quite the actress! I was shown all their family photos & milestones, very nice family, going through difficult times!

You can see the stress weighing on the moms shoulders. She usually doesn’t sleep at night, or sleeps with one eye open to be on guard! She mentioned some scary situations. All she wants is to have stable housing and for her kids to sleep in a bed. They could use some help from the community please.

My neighbor and I gave her a little cushion for a few nights in a hotel & food. We wanted to raise an additional cushion of $10000 for the family and get their word out for other assistance. This $10000 would cover living costs & food for the family for about 3 months. The kids go to school close by.

The hotel costs on Biscayne average around $110 a night, or $800 a week. This is not a permanent solution, but will keep the family off the streets for the time being, until we can find something more suitable. She has actively been contacting all resources available to her, its simply a waiting game for her to hear something back.

*WAYS YOU CAN HELP*

1) DONATE HERE donate here toward housing and food.

2)HOUSING- if anyone has any affiliation with various shelters or works within Housing Authority and can assist with section 8 or any low cost housing. LMK if I can put her in touch with you..

3) EMPLOYMENT - She's looking for employment. Has worked in security, and would like to start working again an 8 to 5 shift in security or housekeeping if anyone knows anything! She does not have a car, so would need to be in Miami.

Thank you kindly! Your generosity and assistance in helping this family through a hard time and getting them back on track is greatly appreciated. Together we can make a difference :)

All the Best- Marla Ballerini