Facing Homelessness

superSTAR:

"I was going to be a professional basketball player, that was my dream. My teammates called me Shaq cuz I was tall and, well, cuz I was really into Shaquille O'Neal."

Britney is 34 years old. When she was 5, she and her mom moved from Greenville, South Carolina to Seattle. Her mom was returning to family after a failed marriage took her away.

In elementary and high school Britney and her best friend dominated the basketball court, a dynamic duo of friendship and athleticism! Britney was dreaming about a future in basketball. Unlike Shaquille O'Neal, she could drain three-pointers and make her free-throws!

Those dreams collided with a struggle going on at home. She was at odds with her mom, so much so that she moved out at the age of 17 and quit high school, never graduating. She was also walking away from basketball.

"I guess I wanted to be an adult sooner than needed. I think about it all the time. It was a decision I deeply regret."

Britney moved in with her 25 year old boyfriend, a relationship that lasted 7 years. It ended when she found out he had a kid with someone else. It was devastating for her. She moved into her Grandma's house and found a job bartending at a sports bar in Seattle.

Party Girl Britney was born. Working, socializing and drinking, life was good. She held her job for 5 years, right up until the pandemic hit. Finding herself out of work, and needing a change, she moved in with a guy friend, a friendship that turned into a relationship.

Then, a year and a half ago, her entire world stopped.

Britney was diagnosed with Stage 3 Cervical Cancer. Everything fell away, including her relationship. She moved into Swedish Hospital for 2 months of intensive chemotherapy. It was the beginning of a whirlwind.

Following chemo, she spent eight months in respite care at Harborview, two weeks at the Women’s Union Gospel Mission, three months at a tiny home village, and now in low income housing.

Britney is a beautiful person. She answers the question of what has changed within her since learning about the cancer - “My attitude and outlook on life. I was taking everything for granted, and judging this, and judging that. Now I appreciate each day, ready to enjoy the moment.”

Britney receives $1,800 disability per month. Her rent is $850, leaving $950 for everything else. Everything else includes food, phone, clothing, and her medications. She takes 15 pills every 8 hours at an expense of about $350 per month.

“I’m behind in rent due to the expense of my medications. Truth is though, I would sacrifice housing rather than not taking my meds.”

We are hoping the Facing Homelessness community can help catch Britney up on her back rent, which is currently one month of $850.00.

https://givebutter.com/britney-rent-help-vufvce

“I need to believe I will get through this. I want to be a nurse, like a lot of my family members are, so I can help take care of people. I also want to be a mom. I’ve missed my chance at having a baby due to all the treatment I’ve gone through, but there are so many children that would love to be adopted.”

Mt Baker Neighborhood | Rex

A QUIET THOUGHT - If you’re moved by the goodness of this community, please consider a $5 monthly recurring donation on our givebutter account. Your donation helps cover operational expenses. https://givebutter.com/jfdABb A heartfelt THANK YOU!