Posts by Erin Rodriguez
Desperate and Out of Options: How a teen’s perseverance became her only hope for survival
When your kids are away, all sorts of things can happen. They can be bullied, a stranger might follow them, or perhaps they need to escape a bad date. Of course trafficking is always a potential danger too. This is why Safe Place was created. Safe Place is a national program that uses the symbol…
Read MoreKids Experiencing Homelessness Go Back to School
As the new school year approaches, we’re reminded of the mix of emotions it brings for many children. While it’s typically a time of excitement and anticipation, for those living at the Mission, it can be filled with uncertainty and anxiety. For our school-aged children currently residing here, the classroom isn’t just a place oflearning…
Read MoreEven good dads can struggle with homelessness.
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to share with you two stories that epitomize the resilience and determination of families facing homelessness in our community. They are stories of hope, perseverance, and the unwavering love of fathers for their families. Trusting God for his family’s future For the last two months, a…
Read MoreBalancing Motherhood and Homelessness
These are challenging times. Everyone is feeling the sting of rising costs of just about everything we need to live. Many of us have questions about what the future will look like, for ourselves and for our children. Now imagine all of those same feelings, but without a home to call your own. Mothers experiencing…
Read MoreWe found proof of what some thought was impossible.
This spring we are celebrating the completion of the first year of our drug relapse program, Breakout, with the graduation of three hard working, dedicated students. This is no ordinary graduation. Homelessness can create significant barriers to accessing treatment for substance use disorders. Lack of stable housing, limited financial resources, and social stigma may prevent…
Read MoreWalking in Their Shoes: The Vital Role of Shoes for the Homeless in Lincoln, Nebraska
The Struggles Faced by the Homeless in Lincoln, Nebraska Without Adequate Footwear The struggles faced by the homeless in Lincoln without adequate footwear are often overlooked, yet they can have a significant impact on their daily lives. Proper footwear is essential for protection, comfort, and mobility, especially for those who spend much of their time…
Read MoreThat stuff you were going to throw out could save a life.
Here’s a statement that you may not have thought of: You can help save lives by donating your used textiles. Let me explain… It might come as a surprise to learn that the US generates just over 17 million tons of textile waste per year, according to the EPA. That adds up to around 112…
Read MoreNew Beginnings are for Everyone
Easter is the time of year we reflect on the miracle of new beginnings, whether it be in the glimpses of green shoots coming out of the ground after a winter of dormancy, or the chance we all have to start fresh in our hearts and lives. Have you ever realized that the Giver and…
Read MoreWhen Women Choose Homelessness Over Abuse
Domestic violence is so common among youth, single adults and families who become homeless, that it is fair to say that most of the women, and some of the men, staying with us have experienced physical and emotional abuse at some point. Some are immediately fleeing domestic violence when they come to us, but for…
Read MoreIt’s Cold Out and Our Doors Are Always Open
An elderly man who has been a guest off and on over the years returned last week. We hadn’t seen him in three months. He said he’d been camping somewhere just outside of Lincoln. He suffers from dementia, and was extremely weak and confused. Our staff was immediately able to coordinate with Centerpoint to find…
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