July 17, 2008
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) -- First she lost her home, then she lost her job, but now things are shaping up for Patsy Shackelford and her two children.
It all began last November when her landlord sold the home she was renting. "I became unemployed. I didn't have money. I didn't have a car and we ended up without a roof over our heads," said Shackelford.
Shackelford, her 10-year-old daughter and 16-year-old son became homeless. They spent 11 days living outside a local hospital in Columbus, which led to the kids and Patsy having to make a decision based on faith. "We were either going to stay here or go back home to Florida. The children wanted to stay here," said Shackelford.
After spending almost two weeks outside, a stranger came and took Shackelford and her two kids into her home. That's when they were led to Valley Interfaith Promise. It's an organization that provide homeless families with shelter, meals, and support to gain independence. "Valley Interfaith Promise is just a vehicle for the families to grasp the understanding that life is all about making goals,"said Program Director Victor Feliciano.
Shackelford and her family spent about four months at Valley Interfaith Promise. There she found faith in God and later got training to be a certified nursing assistant, graduating with an A average.
Plus, she found temporary housing and in just a few days she will close on her new Habitat house that she's purchasing. This is something that makes her 10-year-old proud. "I'm planning to making a whole bunch of friends and have slumber parties," said Patsy's daughter Makayha Shackelford.
As Patsy and her kids begin a new chapter in their lives, she says the key to success is to never quit until you win. "The Lord wouldn't let me give up or wouldn't let me give in. He basically wouldn't let the devil win me over," said Shackelford.
Shackelford's home will be dedicated Friday, July 18th at NOON. It's located at 912 Fletcher Avenue in Columbus. The public is invited to attend.
If you would like more information on Valley Interfaith Promise, visit its website: www.valleyinterfaithpromise.org
Shackelford, her 10-year-old daughter and 16-year-old son became homeless. They spent 11 days living outside a local hospital in Columbus.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WTVM, a Raycom Media Station.
