Stories
Pat
Alamance County, NC. Aid recipient.
Raising Friends’ Kids.
I’ve been here for thirty years. And my daughter had a job and moved down here. And then, I met her [indicating 14-year-old Desmen, whom she is raising] dad. And they had problems at home, so she asked could she stay with me; and she’s been with me for three years. And so… Continue reading
Parthenia — “Ms. P”
Alamance County, NC. Aid provider and former aid recipient.
It All Started with an Illness
It all started with me becoming ill, having to go on disability. But before I get the disability I have to have, I am not working at all, I am needing assistance with my utility. So I am reaching out to the community. So I didn’t really know anything about where to go besides Social Services… Continue reading
Muhammad
Alamance County, NC. Parents received aid.
Education & The American Dream
My parents were immigrants. We came here from Ghana when I was two and basically we were like… My dad had an education, but an education abroad isn’t really valid here. So he had to start over… Continue reading
Lisa
Alamance County, NC. Restaurant worker. Resident at Allied Churches homeless shelter. White, female, age 49.
Domestic Violence
I don’t want to be on welfare. It’s my goal to cut out the food stamps and to pay my own way. I never really chose to be, I don’t guess anybody does, but I don’t, I’m ready to do my own thing. I want to have a job, I want to get a car, and I want to get a home that’s mine… Continue reading
Jeffrey
Alamance County, NC. Aid recipient, caring for grandchildren. Living in public housing.
Caring for Grandchildren
Well, I’ve lived here around Burlington all my life. Burlington-Mayberry area and we just, I got custody of my granddaughters and then my wife decided to leave me after that because she didn’t want that responsibility. So, I couldn’t really afford nothing… Continue reading