Cases 33-36: They survived Hurricane Katrina. Ms. L's family lost it all again in the tornado

Case 33: Ms. L’s family has taken repeated blows over the years, from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina to the May 16 tornado in St. Louis, her family of eight has persisted through hardship the best they could. Ms. L is now navigating unemployment during the holidays and is asking for assistance with putting smiles on the faces of her seven children. She hopes to create a special holiday and is asking for food and rent assistance as well as toys for her children, household toiletries, furniture for her living room and kitchen, bedding sets for her kids and winter coats. Past natural disasters have left lasting effects on Ms. L and her family. She is asking for a holiday blessing as the family continues to do their best with what they have. 

Case 34: After moving to the United States last August, Mr. K, his wife and their three children had plans of finding a better, safer life. However, they’ve had a difficult transition and have done their best to overcome language barriers to find new opportunities. Unfortunately, Mr. K has struggled with employment, finding a job that covers their bills but nothing else. The family is asking for help covering expenses for food, household items and other daily essentials. They are currently sharing one bed with exposed springs, need help with transportation to work opportunities, toys for the holidays and assistance buying winter clothing for the family.

Case 35: Ms. Q and her family lost everything they owned in the May 16 tornado. Unfortunately, she was bound by a lease, leaving her unable to relocate with her 8 children. Due to a medical condition that limits her mobility, Ms. Q is asking for help as the holiday season approaches with replacing beds, clothing and furniture for her and her family. She is also requesting assistance with her rent and electricity as the family begins rebuilding their lives. Currently, the family’s home hasn’t received any repairs following the tornado. They are in need of urgent assistance as they navigate the loss and grief of losing their home and belongings.

Case 36: While homeless and living with relatives, Ms. P also is navigating her 4-year-old daughter having cancer. Her medical bills amount to more than a thousand dollars each month, with Ms. P struggling to manage bills and provide food for her two children as more medical expenses arise for her ill daughter. As she attempts to rebuild from scratch, Ms. P is asking for everyday household items, food and bill assistance and toys for her children. She is also requesting help with medical bills as her daughter prepares for possible surgeries and chemotherapy, funds to cover rent while she stays with family and clothing for her family of three. 

Case profiles by Jasmine Osby