‘My child and God motivate me most:’ St. Ambrose Resident Finds Faith in Uncertain Times

Ashley, a single mother living at Catholic Charities Boston’s St. Ambrose Family Shelter, said her faith has taught her how to hold onto hope through uncertain times. 

She and her eleven-year-old daughter had lived in their own two-bedroom apartment outside of Boston for nearly a decade when Ashley learned they were being evicted, just before Christmas last year. With little time to secure a new, affordable place to live, they spent the holidays sleeping on friends’ couches while searching for a safe and stable home. 

This year, however, they will wake up on Christmas day at St. Ambrose, where they have lived since February. Thanks to an incoming gift donation from the non-profit organization, Christmas in the City, Ashley said her daughter will be able to open presents and enjoy a peaceful Christmas morning. 

While the shelter is only a stepping stone to where they hope to be, Ashley said she is deeply grateful for the sense of community and support they’ve found as they work to get back on their feet. 

“My case manager has been very helpful with housing applications and connecting me to resources,” she said. “We are all working together to figure this out.” 

In addition to guiding her through the housing search, St. Ambrose staff have helped ease the daily burden of putting food on the table by connecting the family to weekly food-truck deliveries and providing everyday kitchen essentials. 

“They keep us going,” she said. “They try to help in any way that they can.” 

During the week, Ashley attends GED classes at a local school and is preparing to begin an online program to earn her high-school diploma. She said the staff have supported her in exploring educational opportunities for both herself and her daughter, connecting them with tutoring programs, providing books, and sharing information. 

Above all, Ashley said she is grateful for the community she has found among staff and fellow residents, including Jadzeiyah, a former resident who became a close friend. 

“We all talk to each other,” she said. “I still check in on her even though she isn’t here. Everybody needs someone checking on them.” 

Ashley said Jadzeiyah’s recent success in finding housing gives her hope and reminds her that her time will come. For now, she is learning to trust the process and believe in herself. 

“My child and God are what motivate me most,” Ashley said. “My daughter knows we are here for now, but we aren’t stuck. We’ll figure it out.” 

To find out how you can support Catholic Charities Boston’s clients in need this holiday season, visit our Hope for the Holidays page.