For this mother of three, safety meant homelessness. Here’s how to help

Escaping from one kind of victimization sent Esperanza and her kids spiraling into another kind: homelessness.

“I’ve had a lot of ups and downs in life,” said the woman who’s living in her car with three grade-school-age children. “I was in an abusive relationship. And getting out of it, me and my kids ended up homeless.”

Even without a home to decorate a Christmas tree, Esperanza hopes that $50 JC Penney gift cards from the Goodfellow Fund will help her make the season a little warmer.

“The gift cards will help a lot,” she said. “Getting coats, boots, warm pants and long sleeved shirts.”

Esperanza’s escape from an abuser was aided by a women’s shelter, but at the six-week program’s end, “we were out on our own,” she said. “That was about three months ago that we had to leave the shelter. Other than a daycare assistance program, that’s all the help I’m getting.”

The administration at the school her kids attend is aware of Esperanza’s plight.

“They’ve been sending lunches home with the kids for the weekends,” she said. “They helped them with uniforms, shoes and backpacks. They have limited resources as well.”

Esperanza’s voice is filled with hope when she talks about the future.

“We’re living in my car. But the car is dependable and we’re safe,” she said with a giggle. “I just started a part-time job. I applied for Section-8 housing. I’m starting over from scratch, but I’ll keep going; that’s my plan.”

Be a jolly Goodfellow

Since 1912, the Star-Telegram’s Goodfellow Fund has provided practical gifts for schoolchildren. Join this tradition by sending a contribution to Goodfellows, Box 1870, Fort Worth, TX 76101. Or go online to goodfellowfund.org and make a secure credit card donation.

This story was originally published November 30, 2018 at 1:22 PM with the headline "For this mother of three, safety meant homelessness. Here’s how to help."