So many across York County are facing hunger, hurt, and homelessness. Many more are struggling just to make ends meet, and they’re falling behind. That’s how Angelina found herself experiencing homelessness. Although she was still working, she was living on the streets . . .
“The past five years, I’ve had a rough life,” Angelina says, remembering how confident she once was, how centered her life seemed. “It was good. I mean, I had a great life. No worries. I was happy, and I didn’t have these health issues.”
Her health challenges started with domestic abuse that resulted in pins in her spine from the injuries she received. Then, if possible, worse news arrived. “I had colon cancer,” Angelina says.
But as she dealt with the diagnosis, then surgery, Angelina at least felt safe living with her elderly parents, eventually going back to work at a local York restaurant.
“Then my dad passed away, right around this time of year. And my mother just didn’t want anybody around. So, she told me I had to move out,” Angelina says, wiping away a tear. “I guess she wanted time to grieve by herself.”
Still far from recovered, Angelina suddenly found herself homeless. Like so many men and women during these difficult days, she was working full-time but still living on the street—literally . . .
“I was sleeping in a van,” she says.
“I’d sleep there, go to work, go back to the van,
go to work . . .”
“It was brutal,” she says, remembering how things were made even harder as she struggled with the aftereffects of her surgery and the elements. “I had blankets on me—and covers,” she shivers at the memory. “I started crying . . .
“I told myself I was at the bottom, you know? I’m not going to be able to ever dig myself out of this, and I’m going to be here for the rest of my life. I didn’t know how much more I could take,” she says. “But I was past the point where I could dig myself out.”
“What changed?” Angelina says softly.
“God. I was praying. I prayed a lot.”
God heard her cry . . . “I got in here,” she says in amazement. The doors of LifePath Christian Ministries were open and welcoming.
“I was so grateful I was here,” she says. “You helped. If it wasn’t for you, I’d probably be . . .” her voice trailing off as she wonders how she would have survived another season on her own.
Today, Angelina is not alone—and she’ll never be alone again, with the “hope and a future” she’s found in Jesus among friends like you.
“I can do this; I can do this!” Angelina says.
By God’s grace, she’s found the love, help, and hope she needs, which is why your compassion in action matters so much. Thank you for helping those in harm’s way like Angelina find new life!
