Natalie Morales and her 5-year-old daughter Hailey have found a new home at the St. Matthews House Women and Children Shelter in Fort Myers after facing something they never would have thought of homelessness.
“We did have our own home a couple of months ago, but due to me losing my job, I couldn’t afford $1,200 rent anymore,” said Morales.
Morales shared that it was a difficult and depressing time for her and her daughter. At one point, the two resorted to couch surfing; they were in desperate need of help.
“It was very depressing,” she said. “It was hard, but as soon as St. Matthews called us, something just lit up in me. And I came here and I felt safe and at home.”
Morales said she felt hope, like things would get a lot better for her and her daughter. That the St. Matthews House shelter welcomed the two with open arms 30 days ago, and Morales has not looked back since.