It’s amazing the difference a year can make. Just ask Angelica Solomon, a mother and Army veteran who served in Afghanistan.
Last Thanksgiving was extremely difficult for her. She felt alone, isolated and depressed. She was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder – although she didn’t know it – and felt stuck in what she describes as an abusive, destructive relationship. She missed her family in Columbus, Ga. and longed to spend the holidays with them, but did not have the money to make the trip.
A short time later, Angelica became homeless. After months of fights and arguments with her son’s father, he put them both out of the house. She describes that period as one of the scariest of her life. She says she struggled to survive every day, not knowing whether she and her young son would have food to eat or a place to sleep.
Desperate for help, she went to a veterans crisis center and learned about United Way of Greater Atlanta’s programs to provide housing and other supportive services to homeless veterans. She contacted United Way, got access to those services through our Vets Connect program and I’m proud to announce that this November, she moved into her very own apartment!
As she remembers where she was this time last year, Angelica says she has “plenty to be thankful about” this holiday season. Her life has completely transformed. She is in stable and safe housing, is saving up money to visit her family, and is even working with United Way’s Peers Reaching Out Team (PRO) to help get other homeless people off the streets and into permanent housing.
So, as we consider what we should be thinking about this Thanksgiving when it comes to our neighbors in need, and how best to assist them, remember Angelica. Yes, she is in a much better place than she was last year. And yes, she has a lot to be thankful for. But like all of us, her life is still a work in progress. Day by day, she’s working hard to continue to improve her situation. The great thing is, Angelica is back on her feet and better able to care for her son, and it’s all because of the generosity of so many people – coming together to give her a hand up and not a handout – making sure Greater Atlanta is a community where everyone thrives.
