Alexis, Ricky and Ariyah

I left Shreveport, Louisiana feeling hopeless, without a plan. Some people might say that’s crazy but anywhere was better than where we were. I couldn’t keep allowing myself to be hurt. I needed to find somewhere safe for us to live but I didn’t know where to start. I found a shelter that allowed us to stay there for 30 days but after that I was in the same spot, homeless. Will I have this baby in my car? Will my son ask me to go back home? What home? I couldn’t think about those things. Keep it moving, Alexis. Don’t stop fighting. Keep looking and don’t give up. I called a longtime friend and asked if we could stay for a few days just until I found another place to go. That’s when I found Bridges online. We stayed with my friend for about one week before I got invited to come to Bridges. I didn’t know what to expect but when I arrived, but they were all so loving, kind and very patient with me and my son. Since I was pregnant with a four-year-old, I couldn’t find any housing options that would help us. Bridges is short term but they allowed us to stay for six months. On May 3rd, 2019 I gave birth to my baby girl Ariyah while in Bridges care. They helped so much during my recovery. All the staff would hold her while I took a nap or a shower until I got used to a new routine. Not just the staff but the other women living at Bridges impacted my life. I gained friendships that I still maintain today. Bridges connected me with PCHAS Single Parent Program, and I moved into my home on August 21st. It’s been almost one year since I packed up my car and left Shreveport and I’m proud of how far I’ve come but I couldn’t have done it without my Bridges family. I am working full-time and my kids are in school and childcare. I hope to go back to school and become an X-Ray technician so I can be a better provider for my family. It was truly a blessing that I found Bridges. I have overcome many obstacles with their help. Thank you Bridges for helping me rebuild my life 😊

Love,
Alexis, Ricky and Ariyah