You know all those times you’ve not given change to an unhoused person because you assumed it would be used for drugs or alcohol? Yeah, me too. Could you spare $2 for someone I’d vouch for?

Let me introduce you to Cee Cee. She’s been on quite the life journey…

Our lives intersected after Hurricane Helene. She was unhoused at the time of the storm and living on the banks of the French Broad River. She was struggling with addiction, the scars of an abusive relationship, and also having her children taken from her.

God spared her life the night of the storm- even as everyone she knew in the encampment most likely did not. How was she saved? She had gotten picked up by the police for a warrant from years past for an encounter with the police during a domestic violence call. The judge in Asheville released her due to hearing Cee Cee’s side of the story, and there was no reason to hold her any longer I suppose.

Well, we were hosting volunteers at our Bed & Breakfast, and a kind soul that was helping Cee Cee asked us if we had room for her at the inn.

Well you see, we didn’t know her situation until she showed up with all she had: a black plastic bag and a FEMA tent. But her joy for life, and her passion for turning her newfound life was inspiring. We’ve been helping Cee Cee get back on her feet as best we can. The picture above is back in June when she got her GED, and was asked to give a speech for the graduating class. She took classes, studied hard, got an apartment, found work…. She was putting her life back together- AND staying clean and sober!

But then the police came back bc that warrant was still lurking in South Carolina. She was released again after several days, but she had lost her jobs and could not return to them until the situation was fixed.

Cee Cee is determined. And BRAVE. She got a ride to Greenville this morning and turned herself in. The problem is, she needs $1300 to pay the outstanding fine, or else she has to serve 30 days in jail. If that happens, she’ll lose her apartment and the things she has fought so hard to build back with. Her landlord has already started the eviction process, and she could miss the court date (where she could request more time) if she’s in jail in another state. She has found an organization to help her with her rent, but she still has to show up for the hearing or I imagine her stuff will be tossed out.

So right now, she’s sitting in jail and hoping you can spare her a couple of bucks. Because if my friends all gave her $2, she’d be able to do so much more than just pay her fine. She’d attend more community college classes…. get a better job… get a car… and even maybe get her kids back! She can’t do it if you pass her on by.

I vouch for her. God is doing amazing things in her life. Thanks for your time.