Greetings, my name is Shate. I am a 40-year-old mother of three. My journey to receiving assistance through Hope Solutions is a testament to true gratitude and unwavering trust in God. February 4th, 2019, marked a significant milestone for me, my children, and our loved ones. That Monday morning was like any other, as I was on my way to work. It was raining heavily, and I was involved in a serious car accident. I lost control of the car and hit a tree, resulting in three strokes, multiple broken ribs, collapsed lungs, and a fractured lower spine. I spent two weeks in a coma, underwent surgery to repair some of my ribs, and received a tracheotomy because I couldn’t breathe independently. The doctors and medical staff called me a miracle, saying I shouldn’t have survived the accident.
While waking up from the coma was something short of a miracle, it also marked the beginning of what I would call the fight of my life. I stayed in the ICU for nearly two months before being released. Given everything I had, I struggled tremendously as I learned how to speak, how to walk, and even regain my memory. There was much discussion about sending me to a rehabilitation center because the doctors were uncertain about the extent of the damage to my body and brain. I have short and long-term memory loss due to the strokes, and some things and people escape me. This period was incredibly challenging for me. Due to the accident, I was unable to provide for myself or my children mentally, physically, emotionally, or financially. Thankfully, my family stepped in to assist with daily life, household chores, and caring for my children. Throughout it all, God has sustained me and eventually allowed me to regain control of my life and responsibilities.
As time passed, and I focused on healing, I found myself quickly drowning in financial debt. This debt included two months of back rent. Facing the possibility of eviction and a 3-day notice, a family friend referred me to Hope Solutions. I was unfamiliar with the organization, and upon researching the agency, I was amazed to find that such an organization existed to help so many in the community deal with unforeseen circumstances/situations to regain and restart their lives. After learning about the services they provide, I reached out to 211, our County’s Crisis Center to begin the referral process.
Thankfully, God led me to this organization and to Mrs. Cynthia Garrett, my Housing Specialist. Cynthia not only assisted me with my financial housing needs but also uplifted, encouraged, and provided me with a new perspective on my situation. I now consider Mrs. Garrett a part of my family, as she has become a staple in my support system and whom I consider a literal Godsend. Because of her and her work, I was able to keep my housing and me and my three children remained stably housed.
If I were to encounter someone facing a similar situation and struggling to figure out how to rectify their circumstances, I would suggest Hope Solutions as a resource or starting point. Receiving assistance through Hope Solutions was such a blessing that I am still in awe and filled with gratitude. I could never repay the generosity bestowed upon my family, but I will forever be thankful. I hope to pay it forward and always trust in the Lord my God, placing no one or thing before Him because He deserves all the glory and praise. He directs me and places people and things in my path, like Mrs. Garrett and Hope Solutions, and for that, I am truly grateful.