A little over a year ago, after a presentation at a partner church, David* and Kathy* approached Love INC MoCo with a heartfelt desire to help a neighbor in need. Their neighbor, Velma*, had recently experienced a devastating fire that left her home uninhabitable. Unfortunately, due to limited resources, Velma was unable to move out.
When Velma thought she found a new place to live, she reached out to David and Kathy for help with the deposit for her first month’s rent. Unsure of how to assist, they turned to Love INC MoCo for guidance. At the time, Love INC MoCo was hosting a Redemptive Compassion training, and the instructor encouraged David and Kathy to attend the first class before deciding how best to help.
After the class, David and Kathy chose not to rush into an immediate response to Velma’s desperate need. Instead, they focused on building a relationship and addressing Velma’s long-term needs.
Over the ensuing months, Velma faced a series of health and financial challenges, even mentioning she felt as though she was experiencing spiritual warfare in her home. Despite these difficulties, Velma remained determined to move forward, but she knew she couldn’t do it alone.
With the support of Love INC MoCo, David and Kathy assisted Velma in finding new living accommodations and gathering the necessary documents to meet the leasing requirements. More importantly, they provided her with emotional support as she navigated her financial, relational, and physical struggles.
When Velma identified a promising place, she unfortunately failed to meet all the requirements and lost her opportunity. It became clear to David, Kathy, and Love INC MoCo that there were deeper issues at play in Velma’s life, including a fear of succeeding. Undeterred, David and Kathy continued to work with Velma, collaborating with Love INC MoCo to finalize her housing arrangements.
Velma was incredibly close to completing everything she needed. The county housing office recognized her potential and was rooting for her success. During a conference trip, a Love INC MoCo staff member received a frantic call from a social worker who had a property available and saw Velma as a great candidate. However, she still hadn’t completed one final task.
Love INC MoCo quickly reached out to Velma, encouraging her that she was so close to the finish line. With renewed determination, Velma completed the final task and successfully secured her new home!
When Velma asked David and Kathy how she should pay her deposit, she was pleasantly surprised to learn that it had already been covered. Upon receiving the keys to her new home, Velma joyfully contacted Love INC MoCo to share her victory, crediting the help of many along the way.
Velma received additional support from local churches, including gift certificates to a church run thrift store that helped furnish her new place. This store not only addressed practical needs but also focused on building relationships with neighbors like Velma. David and Kathy and their church remained a source of encouragement, and they continue to be supportive friends in Velma’s life.
When asked about her hopes for the future, Velma eagerly expressed her desire to host dinner for her children and grandchildren in her new home.
This story highlights the profound impact individuals can have when they seek to befriend and support their neighbors in need. By allowing the Holy Spirit to work through them, David and Kathy have played a vital role in Velma’s transformation, reminding us all of the value and worth of every individual.
David and Kathy discovered a way to contribute to the life-changing joy of their neighbor, Velma, embodying the essence of community support and connection.
*Names and photos are fictitious to protect the confidentiality of the neighbors we serve
