Mary never imagined she’d end up on the streets. At 63, she thought her small apartment on Petree Street was her sanctuary until she lost part of her
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and her life unraveled. Without that full check, she couldn’t keep up with rent.
“You’re just one check away from being homeless,” she stated, the memory of her eviction still raw.
On March 28th, Mary found herself living on the streets. For weeks, she navigated a world of
constant fear, sleeping with one eye open and clutching her two small dogs for comfort. She’d try
to calm herself each night, murmuring prayers into darkness:
“God, help me. Save me, protect me.”
But the worry lingered; despite her beloved pets at her side, she felt utterly vulnerable. Despair
made way for relief when Mary heard about Rachel’s Promise, a shelter that offered more than just
a roof-it promised safety, compassion, and a place to start a new life. The memory of stepping
through its doors still brought her peace.
“It was a calmness just came over me, when that gate shut, I knew I was finally safe.”
The team at Rachel’s Promise welcomed her with open arms, guiding her through the intake
process with genuine warmth.
“Everyone was so sweet,” she remembered, her voice full of gratitude. They showed her to her bed,
and for the first time in weeks, she allowed herself to relax. The feeling of hot water on her skin
during her first shower brought unexpected tears of relief.
“I didn’t want to get out of that shower,” she said with a smile. “And the clean clothes… I finally
felt like I could breathe.”
Her exhaustion caught up with her, and when a team member asked if she needed anything else, she simply replied, “I’d like to sleep.” She lay down, her body sinking into the mattress, finally unburdened.
“Mary, you’re safe,” she whispered to herself as sleep claimed her.
Having her dog, Minnie Mouse, by her side has been a constant comfort. Rachel’s Promise even helped with Minnie’s care, providing the veterinary services she needed. Through Catholic Charities’ Pet Assistance and Support
Program (PAS) grant, our team was able to provide nutritious food and pet supplies for Minnie Mouse.
“She’s my anchor,” Mary said. “When I’m upset, she lays right next to me, almost like she’s saying, ‘It’s okay. I’m here.’”
As Mary began to think about her future, the idea of stepping back into the world beyond Rachel’s Promise filled
her with both excitement and fear. She knew she would miss the sense of security and the unwavering support.
The Rachel’s Promise team advocated for an increase in her SSI and was able to increase her benefits.
They now have the goal of getting Mary housed by the end of this year.
“I don’t want to leave because I feel comfortable and safe here,” she admitted.
“But I know they’ll be there for me if I ever need them.” Now, her heart is full of gratitude and hope for others.
She wants other women to know about Rachel’s Promise, especially those still out there, running scared.
“If you ever get the chance to come here, take it,” she advises.
“Soak it in—because these people will help you in any way they can.”
Every night, as she settles in, Mary closes
her eyes and offers up a simple, heartfelt prayer:
“Thank you, God, for this place.”