Please Help Marnel Rebuild After Losing Everything…

We first met Marnel, a homeless woman at our church. Kerri, having worked at the church and Susan, a member. Marnel, a homeless woman would often sleep outside. What grew over time was friendship and an urge to help Marnel, a Christian woman with a huge heart. A woman who is homeless and struggling each day just to survive.

Please read about Marnel in her own words....

My name is Marnel. I’m 59 years old, and I never imagined I would be homeless. I worked for 20 years helping people with disabilities live better lives. I was independent, educated, and building my future. Then I was hit from behind at 90 mph while sitting at a red light. It was as if lightning had gone down my spine. MRIs of my head, neck and back showed everything in my spine was damaged except the brain stem. After a lot of physical therapy, injections and tests, no improvement was shown. The crash permanently damaged my spine and nerves. Doctors say I will never fully recover.

I tried to keep working to survive though the physical pain was exhausting. I was doing more harm than good to my body. Covid came and I was laid off, unemployment was delayed for 18 months, and I lost my home and car. it became apparent that even simple tasks were physically hard on my body and working even part-time was a struggle.

I tried to get support from outside agencies, but I was often waitlisted, funding wasn't available, or it was just short-term. After four long years, I was finally approved for total disability — but it is not enough to cover housing, medical costs, prescriptions, and basic needs like food. My mode of transportation is an electric bike which I was gifted by a member of the church. I live day to day, constantly moving, trying to stay safe. This isn't the life I envisioned for myself.

Through it all, my service dog of 19 years, Zoe, stayed by my side. She was my family, my comfort, my strength. We stayed together in a tent in the woods. On July 1, 2024, Zoe passed away. Losing Zoe broke my heart. Now I am completely alone.

I am not homeless by choice. I am asking for help because I have no other option at this moment and I am desperately trying. I want a better quality of life for myself. Living out in the elements is hard. I live in a tent with the basics. I’m constantly having to move from one location to another because the city doesn’t want to see homeless people. I don’t do drugs and don’t drink alcohol. I live a clean life and always have. Being homeless robs you of your dignity and security. You're always having to watch for those who will steal anything you have. It’s hard.

Your donation will help me secure safe housing, cover medical expenses, and begin rebuilding my life with dignity.

If you can give, even a small amount, it would mean everything. If you can’t, please share my story.

Thank you for seeing me. God Bless You

— Marnel