My name is Yakaira. I grew up in NYC. My alcoholic dad was scary to us, so my sister and I lived with our mom. My mom’s new boyfriend beat us. Simple things like bad posture or not speaking loud enough would set him off.

We cared for our mother as her mind and health failed from drug and alcohol abuse. I was seven years old.

Homelessness is something I have battled ever since childhood. My sister and I were in and out of foster care. I was constantly being shuffled around from different family members or foster homes.

As an adult I have had many bankrupt relationships, most leaving me homeless. My whole life the people I relied on always let me down. As a result, I have struggled with trusting people. I used to feel like most people were inherently wicked.

Last year I became homeless again after a failed living arrangement with my sister. I was working at the mall and had nowhere to live. After being denied social services I decided to live in the back of the emergency stairwell at the mall. I would squat in back hallways for warmth but I had no food, nowhere to shower and nowhere safe to sleep.

After living that way for three months I called out to God, “God, I don’t want to do this anymore. I’m tired of living behind the mall. I’m hurting, I’m cold, I’m exhausted.” But I wasn’t ready to listen to Him just yet. I just wanted Him to fix it.

My next stop was at a warming center. It was during this time I heard about the Mission. My pride was telling me, “I work, I make money, I take care of myself.” When the warming center closed for the season I squatted on buses for a month.

God knew I was sick and broken. I had not eaten a good meal in a long time. I was finally ready to come to the Rescue Mission.

At the Women’s Emergency Shelter I had hot meals, a warm bed and a shower! I remember feeling full for the first time in a long time! I felt energetic, strong and healthy

Soon, I entered the New Faith Program. I have been able learn more about God and Jesus and what it means to be a child of God. He is in control. He says, “Be still and know that I am God.” It’s hard to always focus on Him but I am learning to put Jesus first in my life.

The Mission has helped me to know it’s not just me who’s struggling. There are other women who have gone through trauma, been betrayed, abused and homeless.

I am learning the importance of fellowship. Being surrounded with other women, with constant companions and Bible studies I have joy. For the time I have a church home!

I am thankful to Capital City Rescue Mission because I’m no longer homeless.

Thank you for giving me a place where I don’t have to worry about where my next meal will come from or where I’m going to sleep tonight.