The Home Symone Never Stopped Working Toward
When Symone Davis and her 11-year-old daughter found stable housing after experiencing homelessness, it marked the beginning of a new chapter. But like many families rebuilding after a crisis, having a place to live was only part of the challenge. Turning that empty apartment into a home felt overwhelming.
“Me and my daughter were homeless,” Symone shared. After a living arrangement with a friend fell through, the two stayed with family while Symone searched for a path forward. At one point, she found herself sleeping in her car before connecting with the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida.
Through the support of her case manager, Andrea, Symone and her daughter were placed in temporary housing and eventually able to move into a home of their own. When Andrea referred her to The Mustard Seed of Central Florida, Symone felt immediate relief.
“I heard about The Mustard Seed, but I’d never actually been there,” she said. “When she told me about
it, it really gave me a sense of relief. I didn’t have to buy furniture with money that I don’t have right now.”
As she explored the warehouse, one piece immediately caught her eye: a couch that perfectly matched a picture she had saved from her previous apartment.
“I was so excited to receive my couch,” Symone said. “It matches this picture I’ve been having. And it’s a sleeper.”
For Symone, the couch represented more than a place to sit. It was a chance to create a welcoming home for herself and her daughter while beginning again.
When asked what advice she would give others facing hardship, her answer was simple:
“Just keep going. Don’t let anything discourage you. Believe in yourself. And if you need help, say something. A closed mouth don’t get fed.”
Symone received 24 pieces of furniture, including a sleeper sofa, helping transform her apartment into a comfortable home where she and her daughter can build new memories together.
You can help families like Symone’s find stability, comfort, and hope after crisis.
