“I had never been homeless until last June. I had my own house, but got into a bad relationship and lost it. I stayed with a friend who let me keep my stuff at her house. My boyfriend butted heads with her, so she kicked me out and wouldn’t let me get my belongings. My boyfriend and I lived on the street, going from tent to tent and living under bridges. I followed him because I loved him. Using crack and meth was also part of following him. Love made me addicted to drugs and homeless. It was stupid, stupid, stupid.

My rock bottom was hiding for two nights in a suitcase in a cemetery from a guy who was trying to kidnap and sell me. I thought I was going to die and called my social worker from Healthcare from the Homeless for help. I was ready to change, and she took me to the Port City Samaritan’s Home for a safe place to stay. It is a homeless shelter in a warehouse, and it turned my life around.  I also got to help others while I was here.

I am getting on a bus tomorrow and going home to Storm Lake, Iowa. Someone donated the money for my ticket so I can start over.  The bus ride will be two days and five transfers.  

I am ready to go back home and be with my family. I want to help other women like people helped me. I love to cook and one day I want to start selling plate lunches at the plants and earn money for my own food truck.

My dad has his arms open in Storm Lake, ready for me to come home.”

Angela  (December 2022)

“I made it to Storm Lake and got a job as a belly bagger at the Tyson plant making $21.50 an hour. They have already given me a raise and a promotion. I am going to buy a camper and park it behind my dad’s house. My youngest daughter is moving here to be with me. I am now on speaking terms with my oldest son and bought him new tires for his car. 

I am hard at work loving my life, and thanks to God, it keeps getting better.”

(March 2023)