Executive Director Julie Jeppson shares a meeting she had this past weekend with a couple and their two young boys. They want people to know that homelessness doesn’t always look like chaos and desperation.
“I met with a couple and their two young boys yesterday morning. They wanted to meet with me because they wanted to know how they could make an impact on the lives of those who are experiencing homelessness. They don’t have much money, and they have even less time. But they have a voice, and they want to use it as often and as loud as they can. Here’s why…today is the five-year anniversary of the death of their first son. Along with the devastating loss, came a pile of bills that his small life insurance policy didn’t cover. They became homeless.
They want people to know that homelessness doesn’t always look like chaos and desperation that is so often shown. For them, homelessness was constant uncertainty and the complete absence of hope.
They are doing well now. They resolved their homelessness over two years ago. They are raising their sons to understand what homelessness looks like and how to be an advocate for those who need help. Thanks to their second-grader, at the end of 2020, he raised over $1,300 through a zoom talent show he organized and performed. He split the proceeds up equally and made a donation to Stepping Stone and two other non-profits.”
