It is challenging to be without stable, permanent housing when you're on your own. It's infinitely more challenging with a child. Yet I have had the enormous blessing of being unhoused with the super, ultra-coolest child I know. This child is a dynamic, vibrant, extremely intelligent and very handsome young Black man. For those who know him, they agree. I have been given the highest honor to have birthed him into the world and have the immense pleasure of calling him "son" and have him call me "Mommy". 

The name God gave him is Wisdom. As a part of the Motivation Reader's Mastermind Network family he is called Mastermind Wisdom. Ain't that something? We rejoined the network in January of this year. I have learned so much from our reading of "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People". One of the habits it teaches is "Think Win-Win". The book teaches that our objective when engaging with others is create experiences where it's a win for all parties. This information has helped me navigate parenting so much better and this super, ultra-cool child is now super, ultra, mega cool! 

So why would I put him in situations that wouldn't allow him or I to win?

I was absolutely thinking Win-Win when we were referred to the Christian social service ministry. I had a three way call with the person referring us and they stated to the supervisor we spoke with that he thought I would be an asset to their ministry. I thanked him for that but noted the supervisor didn't even acknowledge the comment. That should have been my clue. But they had offered to pay Wisdom and I to stay in a hotel and the location was ideal for us.

Fast forward two and a half weeks... I'm "matched" with another Christian agency who will help my son and I find housing, pay the security deposit and first months' rent. I asked what it meant to be "matched" and to give permission to submit the referral. I was given the exact same information I just stated. After speaking with the partner agency, same thing. Fast forward another 13 days, I find out my son and I will have to move out of the hotel room we've been in for four weeks to an undisclosed location where we would "have bed space".

Two days later, I went back to the ministry we were being serviced by to confirm what I had found out. I refused to move so we were told we would no longer receive assistance. The notice I was given was less than 3 days.

Moving to a shelter is not a Win-Win for Wisdom and I. I cannot and will not sacrifice my son by living in another shelter. I also cannot afford to compromise OUR mental, spiritual, emotional and physical gains since being in an ideal hotel environment, even if it isn't a solid home yet. 

I've talked to three employees to resolve this "Win-Lose" situation that was not in our favor and there is absolutely no remorse on their end. This is shocking to me as I expected to experience compassion, dignity and justice in their care. These are three of the four values boldly defined on their website. That has not been the case for me and Mastermind Wisdom. 

What I'm looking for from this petition is:
1) A chance to speak with the Executive Director to create a Win-Win situation for the ministry, my son and me. I've called, sent emails and even attempted to reach him through Facebook and Messenger. I would like to offer the ministry a year of services for up to 15 clients once I am certified. My services will cost far more than the money they're spending for this hotel stay. I'm offering a Win-Win so they don't feel like they are spending extra on someone who is not doing what they want them to do. 
2) I would like them to pay the cost of the room for 13 days plus the three days I have had to pay for the room. The number 13 reflects the number of days between the time I should have been told we would eventually have to move and the day I actually found out (March 24-April 6). They originally expected to pay so it's not a matter of whether they can. 

Will you stand with me and Wisdom in requiring them to uphold their values of dignity and compassion? Will you help Wisdom and I to fight this injustice? Please sign the petition and share. Now, I realize I haven't given many details in this small space. For more information, please check:
~My blog: (www.luventerprisespresents.blogspot.com and
~My YouTube Channel: L.U.V. Enterprises Presents, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn6iYATNQBhm0qzISCce34w

There are two videos on YouTube and I anticipate getting a timeline of events posted on my blog as well. Thank you in advance for your solidarity. Enjoy the day you're creating. Peace...