“I had to swim through the dirty water for help. I didn’t think about it. This is not my first flood. I lived in Africa my whole life and have seen worse than this. We were living in Congo and in 2005, we moved to Zimbabwe. My father was in the military but we couldn’t get in touch with him because he was fighting in the war. My mom didn’t know what to do. We slept in the street for two years. Someone blessed by mom with a $100 bill. My mom started a business with that and started selling chips and candy. That $100 bill brought us to America. We went to different places trying to find people who speak the same language and we came to Baton Rouge in February 2013. My mom got a job housekeeping. I wasn’t surprised or shocked or sad by the flooding, because tomorrow isn’t promised. I am 16, and didn’t think I would ever be homeless again, but I feel blessed to be here. At least I have a roof over my head and can feed my empty stomach and still dream. There are no mosquitos to bite us. That is better than homeless in Africa. Look at this dress and shoes I just got in the donations. I look good and I am smiling. Thank you to everyone who donated. May God bless you. I will never be grateful enough.”

Our Southern Souls has email addresses for the people in each one of these stories. If you want to help or give gift cards, we can contact them and help make that happen.