MEET Michael and Kylee

Every morning, Michael and Kylee drive to a storage unit just outside Minneapolis and load their children’s car seats into the car.

Every night, they drive back and take them out again. It’s the only way there’s room for the family to sleep in their vehicle.

Every single day. Every single night.

I met them in front of that unit this week, and they taught me so much during our time together.

The few shelters in the area fill up fast. When a spot does open, the stay is short, because there isn’t enough of anything to go around.

They work hard. Side jobs wherever they turn up. Interviews whenever someone will schedule one.

Kylee is one of the most articulate, knowledgeable people I’ve ever talked with about homelessness. She can explain where the gaps are, why they’re there, and who falls through them.

Here’s something I hadn’t fully understood.

Earn a little too much and the food assistance goes away.

Earn too little and you still can’t come up with first month’s rent, last month’s rent, and a deposit—all while paying what it costs just to get through the day.

When there’s no money for food, they’ve learned which hotels have a free continental breakfast. They don’t look like what people expect, so nobody stops them. They’re not proud of it, but they have to eat.

After I gave them cards and filled their car with gas, I went back into the gas station and, using your donated funds, bought a couple more cards.

Then we hugged goodbye and I drove away.

Soon my phone buzzed with one of the nicest texts I’ve ever received. As you read it, know it’s meant for every one of you who made the moment possible.

“I just want to say thank you again for being a listening ear and supporting us where you can. It wasn’t about the gift cards what so ever; it was the fact that you chose to come to MN and just listen to our story and show compassion. It’s so refreshing to actually be heard. 

Thank you for doing what you do; showing awareness that many people overlook and judge. We need more people like you to show to reality of what people go through daily.”

Tonight, somewhere outside Minneapolis, the car seats will come out of the car again.

Think of them. Pray for them.

And know you’re making a difference through this movement that belongs to us all.