Guest Stories

As military veterans, Tammy and Andrew* were used to living an orderly life. Andrew had always prided himself on taking care of his family and after they were honorably discharged from the military, he and Tammy were excited about making their new home in Georgia with their five children. Unfortunately, through unforeseen circumstances, this close family was soon on their way– not to a new home– but on their way to being homeless. Their challenges mounted as car payments, insurance, food expenses and bills continued. With no jobs or income, nowhere to live, and five growing children, you can imagine their fear and anxiety about the future—the immediate future—where to stay and what to eat– this week.

Fortunately, Andrew and Tammy learned about Family Promise of Cobb County. These parents experienced joy and relief to have warm safe shelter, home-cooked meals, and friendly, caring volunteers who engaged with their children. They also received professional assistance from FPCC’s Caseworker–planning, budgeting, resume writing. In fact, our Caseworker helped translate Tammy and Andrew’s military experience on their resumes into the attributes that would attract potential employers.

Today as graduates, Tammy and Andrew and their family continue to prosper and are exploring home ownership. They have an enormous sense of gratitude and near disbelief that their family was showered with such ongoing care over those months until they could be back on their feet. “I just can’t believe all these volunteers would leave their homes every evening to come to bring us a meal, play with our kids, and make sure we had what we needed,” Andrew said frequently. The genuine care that our FPCC community showed this family is just one example of the dozens we help every year.

* names changed to protect privacy