Michelle Garcia and her three kids
When I posted the article from our reader and Richmond mom Michelle Garcia a few days ago, I was hoping it would bring awareness to how easily it is for someone to become homeless, since that’s the first thing that struck me from her article.
What I didn’t expect was the instant, immediate, impactful force of women coming forward to help her. I am so thankful to everyone who has jumped in, proving once again that Margaret Mead’s famous line “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Here’s breakdown of the series of events resulting from that post:
1) After our e-newsletter goes out, my inbox starts popping with emails from concerned readers: “How can I help? What can I do for her?” I asked Michelle if a Paypal account for direct donations was something she was comfortable with; she was immediately grateful and agreed that yes, she would share her email address.
2) Two friends with friends on local VA Housing boards contact me to see if they can help Michelle find alternative steps.
3) Another friend meets Michelle to get a breakdown of what the family needs, rallies all of her friends via email (which I later received as a string of emails starting with Michelle’s post). Donations start rolling in.
4) Friend in #3 reaches out to another friend to see if her mechanic-friend can help with Michelle’s car and starts circulating Michelle’s resume.
5) Our writer and site partner Rhonda Day reaches out to Michelle to see how her family can help, including helping Michelle brush-up her resume.
6) Tears well into my eyes as I read yet another one of our writers, Katie Mardigian Facebook post asking for clothing for Michelle’s children and items like soap, shampoo, and other necessities.
Michelle’s signature line on her email includes the following, and is one that I’m committing to memory:
Start where you are
Use what you have
Do what you can.
-Arthur Ashe
