It was Christmas time, over a decade ago, when Luz and her family found themselves without a home. She and her twin sister were 15 years old. 

Her father was fighting to keep food on the table, as he was out of work and finding himself at the end of his means. He wanted to keep his family together, but worried how he would care for his two daughters. They were his priority. 

While most people were gearing up for the winter holidays, Luz’s family made the difficult decision to come to Water Street Mission. Looking back, she remembers her nervousness, but she also remembers her relief. At least, she thought, they’d have enough to eat, and they’d be together. “We were happy to be here. And it was like a safe place to find,” she says.

Once here, Water Street worked to make sure Luz and her twin sister were able to continue their education out in rural Lancaster County. The long bus ride was worth it just so they wouldn’t have their schooling interrupted. 

And after a few months, their patience paid off. Her dad found work and was able to afford a modest basement apartment, driving his girls to school out in the county each day. “And it wasn’t for a long time we stayed here. But, I mean, Water Street Mission was there when we needed it the most.” 

“And it wasn’t for a long time we stayed here. But, I mean, Water Street Mission was there when we needed it the most.” 

— Luz, Former WSM Guest & Current Outreach Volunteer

Keeping her education uninterrupted proved to be an important part of Luz’s journey. “We found a home. And I was able to finish high school. And my education continued,” she says. After graduating high school, Luz became a Certified Nursing Assistant and is now studying to become a Physical Therapy Assistant too. That degree requires Community Service hours, which is what brought her back to volunteer at Water Street.

“During my time here, it changed my life and my perspective,” she remembers. “We learned to appreciate what we have now, which is a home. And that’s why I came back.”

Luz began volunteering in the Outreach Center, helping distribute food to neighbors in need, and then in our day shelter, sharing time and encouragement with the men and women in our Emergency Shelter. Because of her experience, she says she can relate to much of what our guests might be feeling. “That moment when you think, ‘I don’t have anybody who can help me,” she explains. “And finding that help, that support, I think it’s priceless.” 

Water Street Mission may have been a brief part of her journey, but she believes it was critical in keeping hope alive in her life and making her into the strong woman she is today. Because of the support of people like you, we are able to make a “priceless” impact on many more men, women, and children each day. 

Thank you for helping us create a new cycle of hope that we believe will spread to another generation!

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