The Stories
A Loving Family - Shawn and Laura
Love Keeps Us Together
Shawn and Laura have transformed a small motel room into a temporary, yet warm, "home" for their sons, Anthony and Shawn Michael. Their essential toiletries compete for space with a makeshift kitchen on the bathroom vanity. Freshly washed clothes hang on a line over small appliances, gifts from Laura's co-workers. NASCAR toys and posters decorate the room in an attempt to create a sense of normalcy for the boys. In the corner rests a rickety, old stroller used to cart groceries.
Despite the daily inconveniences and cramped space, they are grateful to be sleeping indoors. Less than a year ago, this family of four spent three grueling months living in a tent, where they braved biting insects and other critters, unbearable temperatures and flooding. Yet, as much as they appreciate their little motel room, it's still a far cry from the life they once knew.
Life Before Homelessness
Shawn and Laura grew up in the Tampa area and fell in love almost six years ago when Anthony was an infant. Almost immediately, Shawn assumed the role of Anthony's father, and the family celebrated the birth of Shawn Michael a few years later.
Shawn and Laura settled in north Florida. They had good jobs, a truck and a nice two-bedroom home when Shawn's mother became ill. Anxious to be near her, they moved back to Hillsborough County. But within a short period of time, a family argument erupted into a crisis, forcing them to leave their home. The situation further deteriorated when Laura lost her job and their money ran out. With nowhere to go, they were homeless.
Life Now
Laura works full-time at a restaurant down the street from the motel where she makes $3.65 per hour, plus tips. She walks to work late in the evening to start her graveyard shift and returns in the morning in time to see Anthony off to school. Like any devoted mom, she forgoes her own needs in order to spend time with her family, often getting only a few hours of sleep before returning to work.
Shawn assumed childcare responsibilities after suffering a minor stroke several months ago that left him unable to work full-time. Three-year-old Shawn Michael is ready for pre-school, but there is no Head Start program at the local elementary school and no money for daycare. Shawn does his best to keep the boys occupied during the day so their mother can rest. Stranded near an interstate exit without a car and no bus line nearby, he constantly worries about their safety and security.
Anthony and Shawn Michael are polite and seemingly well-adjusted boys; a genuine source of pride for Shawn and Laura, who strive to shield them from the constant stress of their situation. Anthony is a typical big brother, serious and protective of his younger sibling. Although he enjoys school and playing with his toy cars, his young face often shows concern. Shawn Michael's bright, outgoing personality provides the family with much-needed smiles.
Each day brings a new set of challenges for Shawn and Laura. They struggle to pay more than $300 a week for rent, and any money left over from Laura's paycheck is needed for items they can't purchase with food stamps. On top of all this, ongoing health issues related to Shawn's stroke are yet another source of anxiety.
People in the community have been generous, including a minister who delivered a bag of groceries with $100 hidden in a Bible. But occasional gestures of kindness simply aren’t enough to provide the funds necessary to secure a permanent place to live.
The Future
Shawn and Laura want what they once had: a stable life and a safe home with room for their growing sons. In spite of his poor health, Shawn wants to return to work; at the very least, to a part-time job that will help supplement Laura's meager wages. For now, their hopes rest on an income tax refund, which they believe may provide the extra money needed to move from the motel and in to permanent housing.
The bitter realities of a dire financial situation have left them with first-hand knowledge of just how difficult it is to overcome homelessness. What keeps this family together is their love and devotion to each other, and their dream of a better life.
