Client Story: Jessica

Jessica said she used her life savings to purchase a home mortgage-free in 2014 for her and her then newborn son. About seven months later, Jessica’s sister and five children moved in permanently after their home burned down. On Sept. 10, 2017, Jessica’s son’s birthday, a tree fell through the roof after Hurricane Irma roared through Orlando.

The family spent the next two years struggling to get the home repaired.

“I called everybody,” Jessica said. “I called the city. I tried to get loans. I wasn’t eligible for a lot of things.”

Jessica eventually applied to receive assistance from RISE Orange County, a disaster recovery program that uses FEMA money distributed by the state, to repair homes. The organization fixed Jessica’s roof, replaced the ceiling, drywall, air conditioning unit and electrical wiring. The organization also landscaped and repainted the home.

Jessica also received help from Endeavors, a crisis social services agency that helps with disaster relief. Endeavors referred Jessica to The Mustard Seed for furniture assistance. Jessica received all the furnishings she needed to start over, including living room furniture, a dining table, a brand new refrigerator, seven beds and much more.

“I’m so grateful and definitely appreciative,” Jessica said. “All this assistance has taken a lot off my plate.”

A Bed for Alberic

When Alberic lost his job in March of 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the financial strain led to him living in his car for the last several years. He struggled to transition into an apartment due to extenuating circumstances and spent the last several months at the Coalition for the Homeless.  

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Furniture for Maria and her Siblings

After her mother was incarcerated, Maria, age 23, took custody of her three teenage siblings. “The situation was horrible. We didn’t have anywhere to live. I just wanted a better way of life for my siblings.” Maria connected with a case manager, who was able to secure her housing, and referred…

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Beds for Erick and His Children

For Erick, single father to four children, receiving help from The Mustard Seed was a comfort. Erick explained of his circumstances, “We were all sharing one blow up bed because we couldn’t afford beds for the kids.” Three of Erick’s four children are on the autism spectrum. He shares of his…

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Request for Proposal: Audited Financials/Filing

February 13, 2024

February 13th, 2024

The Mustard Seed of Central Florida, Inc. (“The Mustard Seed”) invites the submission of proposals for the preparation of its yearly audited financial statements and related filings for a three-year period beginning with the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.  T… read more

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For families emerging from crisis, the holiday season can be a challenging time. At The Mustard Seed of Central Florida, we aim to ensure that families in need have everything to make their house a home, and during the holidays, we are lucky enough to connect families in need with companies who are … read more