I found this story in the most recent newsletter form our friends at La Mesa Ministries. The kindness of the volunteers, the everyday heroes, at La Mesa is so heartwarming! They are truly changing lives, for so many people in their community. And not just for the moment but possibly for generations! La Mesa Ministries will be our Lainee's Love supported charity for May and June 2025.
When Tramaine and Agatha first came to La Mesa Ministries in
2021, they were living on the streets of Mesa Arizona. Within a few months of
attending La Mesa they found a friend who allowed them to pitch a tent
in his backyard to give them a safe place to stay. While living in the tent
Agatha started attending dental school to become a dental assistant.
And Tramaine and Agatha signed up for the La Mesa Ministries financial
management class in January of 2022.
Upon graduation from the class La Mesa ministries would help them
locate an apartment, cover some of their move in costs and furnish their
new apartment. Tramaine came to the La Mesa Ministries Resource
Center to try and find employment. Based on his background and skills
La Mesa Ministries Resource Center found him a job as a commercial
electrician in 2022. La Mesa Ministries also assisted Tramaine and Agatha
with the means to take regular showers while still living in the tent.
It took a while but finally in January of 2023 La Mesa Ministries found
a 2-bedroom apartment in Mesa for Tramaine and Agatha to rent. The
rent was $900 per month including utilities. Shortly after, Agatha became
pregnant, and their son was born in the fall of 2023. Things couldn’t be
any better until the owner of the apartment building decided to sell the
building. By the end of August 2024, the apartment changed owners and
Tramaine and Agatha had to move.
The lessons they learned in the financial management class provided
the ability for them to have saved up enough money to move into their
very own townhouse. They are now homeowners raising a family
after living on the streets and in a tent less than 4 years ago. They
were focused, they reached out for help, and they never gave up on
themselves or their faith in God. The Arizona Housing Coalition will be
presenting Tramaine and Agatha with the Outstanding Achievement
in Overcoming Homelessness Award next month. We are so very
proud of them.
For details on how you can get involved, visit lamesaministries.org.
HOPE, HAPPENS, HERE!