Today’s Victories

Tuesday was an eventful day for sure. I started the day trying to track down a birth certificate for a client that was returned to the county clerk. Then went to meet with a new client, father of a toddler that lost his mother a year ago. We got him signed up for Section 8, provided vouchers for both his and his son’s birth certificates, directed him to apply for survivor benefits with Social Security and discussed looking into continuing education with Delta College. Dad and I discussed his need and desire to provide a good role model for his son, especially since his mother is no longer here.

Next up, met with a wonderful woman, whose mother was an advocate and trailblazer in San Joaquin County, more specifically Stockton, for decades. Ms. Mable Choice, a long time educator for SUSD and mentor for many many children in our community.

I got to hear stories from her daughter about growing up in Stockton and how her mother continued to push for equality and lifted up many children that did not have experiences to build on. “It’s A Matter of Choice” was her saying. I LOVE IT!!!! We are going to collaborate on a transitional housing opportunity and I am so humbled to be compared to this woman. It is an honor, especially coming from her daughter.

While waiting for the City Council Meeting this evening, I made a phone call and got another one of my clients signed up for home schooling and setting up tutoring. Being homeless as a child it is hard to maintain schooling, but we are ensuring that this is a priority and continuing to provide support while we wait for the housing agencies to process people’s applications. Then I headed out to the encampment to update the family on the schooling and talk to some people about job opportunities before heading over to City Hall.

City council meeting began at 5:30. Today was the day that the Economic Development Department brought their recommendations to the City Council for approval for funding. RED RABBIT ADVOCACY WAS CHOSEN FOR FUNDING! There are naysayers that think that our organization is not legitimate for some reason, but the proof is all in the paperwork and we have all of that in order. As soon as we let out of session, STRAIGHT TO THE SLOUGH to share the good news! I had to go share with the people in the encampments because this money is to lift them up. Provide stability and get them off the streets! I ran into another client, Tim and he received his paperwork in the mail for his housing application. Tim was run over by a car and was already in a wheelchair before getting hit. He is on his way through the process to housing now. God willing we will have him out of his tent in the next 6 months tops. The process is slow but it is starting. Thank you God for every blessing you gave us today. And I truly thank those in the City that support our efforts. I am determined to make a huge difference with this money. Good night all and stay tuned for tomorrow’s update!