Client Story: Maria

With a small amount of savings, Maria and her mother, also named Maria, fled the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela in search of a better life in the United States.

“You cannot walk around in Venezuela without the fear of getting robbed or persecuted,” Maria, 20, said.

Political turmoil in Venezuela has resulted in more than six million refugees, asylum-seekers, and migrants fleeing their homes in search of food, employment and a stable life in other countries.

Maria and her mother moved to Orlando because Maria’s sister and an aunt already resided in the city.

The mother and daughter lived with Maria’s aunt for four months before moving into their own apartment. Maria said she and her mother are waiting to receive refugee status so Maria can apply for jobs.

Maria learned about The Mustard Seed’s furniture program from her aunt.  Thanks to YOUR SUPPORT, she and her mother received everything they needed to make their new apartment feel like a home.

“We are very impressed this is happening because there is nothing like this back home,” Maria said about receiving furniture assistance. “My mother started crying. She was very excited.”

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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