Caresse sat with her children in a crowded Pinellas County shelter on Wednesday, her eyes searching for someone to listen to her story. Her story of courage, survival and love.
Two weeks ago, Caresse and her three children fled a garage they were living in as Hurricane Milton neared. Afraid but determined to protect her family, Caresse came to the shelter at the Ross Norton Recreation Center in Clearwater.
“I had to make it here,” said Caresse, who has been experiencing homelessness for several years despite working several jobs. She is grateful for the shelter’s support.
However, her recent job loss, a COVID-19 outbreak at the shelter, and uncertainty about where she will go once the shelter closes have become too much for her to endure alone.
Caresse’s resilient eyes shed tears as she shared her story with Jess Tharpe, Travis McGilvary, and Carolina Bierley from Better Together, who came to the shelter to help families and share our programs that provide short-term care for children, job opportunities for parents, and connections to mentors and staff for support.
“We’re here for you,” Jess assured Caresse. “I can help with job opportunities for sure,” added Travis.
“Thank you,” expressed Caresse as Carolina held her.
Please join us in helping families: bettertogetherus.org/hurricane-relief
Story & Moments by Kinfay / Better Together
