A homeless shelter is struggling after they totaled their car in an accident. They said their insurance policy won’t cover an entire new car but a vehicle is vital for them to get the women they serve back on their feet.
“It will be quite different because we can’t get the women back and forth to work so they’ll lose their jobs,” said executive director of the Restoration Empowerment Center, Janet Railey. “I’m not quite sure where that will put us.”
Before, the shelter was using Janet’s personal car. But was involved in a car accident, totaling the car.
“After that, I just felt so overwhelmed and I thought ‘What am I going to do for these women and kids? How am I going to get them back and forward,” said Railey.
For now they’re using a donated rental car but on Thursday they’ll have to return the only way these women can get to work.
“It’s a sense of pride with these women who have not had jobs in years, it makes them feel really good,” said Railey.
“We need a van to take us where we need to go. It’s not going to be easy on us,” said Shaytae Carmichael, one of the residents at Restoration Empowerment.
Carmichael and her three-year-old son have lived here 6 months after a long struggle with homelessness.
“I was in a motel, living, homeless,” Carmichael said. “Ever since I’ve been here, I’ve moved forward, got me on my feet.”
Now they’re just hoping someone can help them with a car.
“I have faith that God’s going to make a way and provide transportation for us,” Railey said.