Sue’s life looked like most of our lives. She worked full-time and lived in a lovely home in the country with her husband.  But the marriage was crumbling and domestic violence entered the picture. Her world was turned upside down when she was charged with domestic abuse and jailed.  While in jail her husband filed for divorce, she was not allowed to contact him or his family. She was not allowed access to bank funds, no access to her car, or access to most of her personal belongings.  And due to spending a short period in jail, she lost her job. Now homeless, jobless, without transportation, and facing criminal charges, she reached out to her family. She was able to stay briefly with her family but had to return to Arkansas to fight the criminal charges.  During this time she spiraled into depression. A Christian, she also faced a crisis of faith. Feeling shame, depression, and very much alone, she started to rebuild her life.

In Arkansas she found a small affordable apartment.  Close by was Second Street Pantry Missions. She came to the pantry for assistance and was greeted with smiles and words of comfort and hope.  She was invited to Tuesday night dinner where she felt surrounded by love. She remembers a Christian song, "In the Eye of the Storm", playing and finally feeling like she wasn't alone.  Thanksgiving came and while she had no one to share the holiday. the pantry provided her with food and the volunteers greeted her with smiles and kind words. Soon Sue started volunteering at the pantry, giving groceries to others in need.  Sharing a smile and kind word.

While Sue’s ordeal isn't over, she has learned when homeless your first priority is to care for yourself physically, then you have to care for yourself emotionally.  Second Street Pantry Missions helped Sue care for herself physically, but what she didn't expect was to be fed emotionally. The volunteers showed her hope and love simply by being a bright spot on some dark days.  She is still fighting. She is still hopeful.