MILDRED
PHOTO BY RANDY BACON
MILDRED’S STORY
I come from a good family and I’ve raised two girls as a single mom. I also have three grandchildren and three great grandchildren. I’m on the streets on my own accord.
I was living with my kids, whom I love dearly, but as I’ve grown older, I’ve become grouchy, rude, and disrespectful. I tried hard to handle all of life’s drama but when my patience wore thin, I packed a bag and moved out here.
When I ended up out here on the streets, I found the local women’s shelter. I felt so blessed that I didn’t have to sleep outside. I praise the Lord every day that I’m here because it’s bad out there. I don’t know what I’d do without this place.
Since being homeless, I’ve had my eyes opened to some cool things, though, that I don’t think I would have seen if I hadn’t been on the streets. For example, I found God out here. I’ve always believed in God but I had never really experienced God before now. Looking back through my life, I can see His handiwork and I can honestly say that He has never let me down.
When I first came out here, I was depressed. I wasn’t using drugs, I wasn’t drinking, and I didn’t do anything stupid. But I was old and I was depressed. Yet, when I looked around, I saw people who were far worse off than I. My eyes were opened to the scope of my own problems and I decided that I’m going to do better for myself.
I got connected with a local church and they have been helping me through this journey. The church has become so special to me and since I started attending, my spirit just feels lifted.
I hope that people who read my story understand that there is always someone there. When you’ve got problems that you think you can’t handle, God is there. Sometimes all we need to do is give Him a chance. He supplies our every need.
Really, seeing the people that need help makes me proud to be who I am. I am proud that I am alive. This world is becoming a bad place but God has given me the will to make it through.
In the future, I’d really like to get a little place of my own, get a job, and keep on doing until I can’t do anymore. I’m getting stronger. I’m learning. God is helping me with all of that and He is helping me build my character.
I’m just so happy right now. Even though I’m out here on the street, I have 3 meals to eat every day, places to go, and things to enjoy. I am living proof that if you want it and you need it, God will supply it.