Laura’s Story – From Abuse and Homelessness to Safety
Laura first came to Florida in 2011 after experiencing years of instability and abuse.
Before coming to Florida, Laura had been living in Michigan. She lost her job as a taxi driver and soon found herself homeless. During this difficult time she was also dealing with abuse and conflict from family members and an abusive employer, which ultimately pushed her to leave everything behind in search of safety. A relative helped pay for her trip to Florida, hoping she could rebuild her life. But things did not immediately get better.
Laura struggled for years moving between shelters, temporary programs, and periods of homelessness. She worked hard to rebuild stability and eventually received housing assistance that allowed her to move into a small one-bedroom apartment in Pompano Beach. For the first time in years, Laura had a home again. During that time she adopted a dog named Snow, an American Staffordshire Terrier who quickly became her emotional support companion.
Family Violence Changed Everything Again
When Laura’s daughter heard she finally had stable housing, she asked if Laura could temporarily take care of her two children while she worked through relationship problems with an abusive partner. Laura agreed. But the situation became far more complicated. Her daughter and the abusive boyfriend eventually moved into Laura’s home, and the violence followed them there. One day police discovered Laura’s daughter badly beaten by the man. The situation caused enormous trauma for the entire family.
Laura stepped in and took legal custody of the children to protect them. She moved into a larger partment so they would have space and stability. For a time, things seemed better. But as the children grew older, tensions inside the home escalated. The conflict became so severe that Laura eventually made a heartbreaking decision: She left her own home and chose to live on the streets, because she felt safer there than inside her own house.
Finding Safety at HomesUnited Ministries
During this time Laura was introduced to HomesUnited Ministries. HomesUnited provided something Laura had been missing for years: a safe place to live and rebuild. Laura was able to stay in one of the HomesUnited residences while working toward stability again. At that time she also had two dogs who had become her emotional support family. Keeping them safe was extremely important to her during the darkest moments of her life.
While living at HomesUnited, Laura began rebuilding her independence again. The support she received gave her time to stabilize, search for housing, and move forward with her life.
A Stable Home Again
Eventually Laura was able to find an apartment that accepted both her and her two dogs. Today she lives in Oakland Park with her dogs, while her daughter and grandchildren are now living safely in Sunrise. After years of homelessness, abuse, and instability, Laura finally has a place she can call home.
Laura’s Message to Other Women
Laura knows how easy it is for life to fall apart. Domestic violence, homelessness, and family trauma can happen to anyone. She wants other women to know they are not alone. “There were times when I felt like I had lost everything. But there are people who care and organizations that help you rebuild. HomesUnited gave me the time and stability I needed to start over.”
Your Donation Helps Women Like Laura
HomesUnited Ministries provides safe housing and stability for women escaping:
• Domestic violence
• Homelessness
• Family trauma
• Financial hardship
Many women arrive with no income and nowhere to go.
Your donation helps provide:
✔ Safe housing
✔ Stability and counseling
✔ Time to rebuild their lives
✔ A second chance
Help Another Woman Rebuild Her Life
When you donate, you help women like Laura move from crisis to stability.
👉 See Laura on Social Media Below
