Meet Morgan, A Former Resident At The Emergency Lodge
Meet Morgan, a single mother of four who was in need of shelter. After a family member referred her to The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County's homeless shelter, The Emergency Lodge, she was a resident there for seven months. At the lodge she was provided a variety of services, including three meals a day, backpacks for her children and even help from a social worker during her custody battle. Morgan is just one of 1,575 individuals who received help from The Emergency Lodge in 2017. Read her story below.
Q. Can you state your name and how many months you stayed at the Emergency Lodge?
A. Morgan, I stayed in the Salvation Army Lodge for about 7 months.
Q. How did you first learn about The Salvation Army?
A. I first heard about The Salvation Army through a family member. I was just going through a lot just bouncing from place to place and not having no stability for my children. At first I was scared and nervous but then I got to meet Ms. Stephany, Ms. Loni and Ms. Nancy. They just welcomed me with open arms. They were like “if you need us let us know.” “Don’t be scared, we are here if you need us.”
Q. What did they help you with at The Emergency Lodge?
A. I was going through a custody battle with my children. Ms. Stephanie was there for every court appearance. She took me there and she was just there for me the whole way. She was one of the big person who don’t feel like you’re alone you have somebody here we are all here for you. It was wonderful. Even after I got my place they were always there for me. So it was a comfort knowing I still had the people that I was going thorough everything with. They were still there with me. Salvation Army also helped me with the bookpack season. I know when my kids first started school everything was hectic. They had school supplies, they also helped me with the toy shop for my children for Christmas. I didn’t have money for my rent and they just recently just helped me with that. They helped pay my rent. So those things I couldn’t do on my own they were able to help me with.
Q. What happened after you received help from The Salvation Army?
A. One of the main things they helped me learn was patience, patience and faith.
Q. What would you say to other single mothers that are in the situation you were?
A. Never give up, no matter how hard it is. No matter how stressful it is just don’t give up.
Q. If you could meet a Salvation Army donor, what would you say to them?
A. I want to say to people that give to people like me that are going through stuff. Thank you so, so, so, so much. I really do appreciate it. And like if it wasn’t for Salvation Army, I don’t know where I would be.