Todd & Tierra are a young couple who, along with their son Culture, have been coming to The Open Shelter.
We sat down with Todd & Tierra to have them share how The Open Shelter has helped their young family.
What led you to The Open Shelter?
Todd: “I used to come to your location on Mound Street. My mom told me about you. One day, I needed some resources, and I checked The Open Shelter out. They have blessed me with everything I need. I have come here for food. You can get a hot lunch and clothes. They have helped me so much. You can take a shower. We have been coming here for about 4 years.”
Tierra: “You can get a shower. They have helped with towels, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and hygiene items.”
How did you two meet?
Todd: “Tierra was walking down the street one night, and it was raining, so I thought to myself, ‘let me offer this young lady a ride’. Little did I know it was the woman of my dreams that God placed for me.”
What is your current living situation?
Todd: “We don’t have a permanent place to stay right now. We are working with the Shelter Board, trying to get housed.”
What are some of the struggles you have been going through?
Tierra: “The freezing cold, having no food, having nothing to drink. Being outside in the pouring rain and snow with no shelter. Having no access to restrooms.”
Todd: “When you don’t have a house, you don’t have a stable place to cook or get clean. That’s why we come to The Open Shelter. So, we come here for necessities. When you are outside, you don’t really feel welcome anywhere.”
Tierra: “Sarah (Hatchard, Director of Guest Services) helped me with getting a birth certificate and State ID. I met the qualifications for a job, and she helped me get those items, so I can apply for jobs and housing. I was without a birth certificate and State ID for about three months. A lot of doors and opportunities have opened since getting them!”
What are some of your hopes for your son, Culture?
Tierra: “When I am down, or I get frustrated, I look at Culture, and he will just do something that will make me smile. He motivates me to keep going, that I can do this.”
Todd: “We take him to libraries and play. When the weather gets nice again, we will take him to the park. We are committed to doing our best, trying to be the best parents.”
“We are hoping to provide a great, stable, loving home. We want to give him a nurturing, strong, stable upbringing.”
