'I forgot people could be so good'
SEATTLE -- Donations to non-profit organizations have taken a nose-dive during the recent economic slump.
The Elizabeth Gregory home, a local organization that helps homeless women was thrown to the brink of shutting down.
But then the unexpected came -- the answer to the home's prayers.
Kimberly Jackson had the heartbreaking task of telling eleven homeless women they'd have to return to the streets, that their safe haven and transitional house was going to have to close.
"It was just a terrible, terrible time," she said. "It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do in my life. Some women started crying and others just went into shock.
"It broke my heart," said Teresa, a resident.
The women had come to the house to get back on their feet, find work and regain confidence without worrying about a bed, a meal or an ex-husband.
"I ended up on the streets, from this shelter to that," said resident Tonya Knight.
But the Elizabeth Gregory Home was broke. Donations had dried up. September rent was due. Times have been so rough that the home had laid off five staff members.
Still the home found itself struggling. The average donor check last year was $300. This year, the amount is down to $100.
But when word of the home's impending closure spread, kind hearts flocked to help and generously poured in a total of $1,400.
The money not only covers the home's October rent, but is enough to cover rent for six more months.
"(We were all worried about) where would we go next, on the streets, back in a shelter? But after we received donations, it's incredible," said Knight. "By the grace of God, we're still here, and I still have a family."
The home received yet another pleasant surprise on Friday. A church group dropped off birthday bags for the homeless women, complete with cake mix.
"These are the things that make the women feel so special and loved, and you just don't know what it means to the women," said Jackson.
One woman was heard whispering, "I forgot people could be so good."
The home has dodged the worst case scenario, but is not out of the woods yet. Donations, grants and fundraisers are only covering one-third of its monthly operating budget.
The Elizabeth Gregory home, a local organization that helps homeless women was thrown to the brink of shutting down.
But then the unexpected came -- the answer to the home's prayers.
Kimberly Jackson had the heartbreaking task of telling eleven homeless women they'd have to return to the streets, that their safe haven and transitional house was going to have to close.
"It was just a terrible, terrible time," she said. "It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do in my life. Some women started crying and others just went into shock.
"It broke my heart," said Teresa, a resident.
The women had come to the house to get back on their feet, find work and regain confidence without worrying about a bed, a meal or an ex-husband.
"I ended up on the streets, from this shelter to that," said resident Tonya Knight.
But the Elizabeth Gregory Home was broke. Donations had dried up. September rent was due. Times have been so rough that the home had laid off five staff members.
Still the home found itself struggling. The average donor check last year was $300. This year, the amount is down to $100.
But when word of the home's impending closure spread, kind hearts flocked to help and generously poured in a total of $1,400.
The money not only covers the home's October rent, but is enough to cover rent for six more months.
"(We were all worried about) where would we go next, on the streets, back in a shelter? But after we received donations, it's incredible," said Knight. "By the grace of God, we're still here, and I still have a family."
The home received yet another pleasant surprise on Friday. A church group dropped off birthday bags for the homeless women, complete with cake mix.
"These are the things that make the women feel so special and loved, and you just don't know what it means to the women," said Jackson.
One woman was heard whispering, "I forgot people could be so good."
The home has dodged the worst case scenario, but is not out of the woods yet. Donations, grants and fundraisers are only covering one-third of its monthly operating budget.