Home Again: Sharion’s Story
Sharion and her son were both working in Rochester, MN, when her daughter who lives out of town fell ill. Sharion had to leave work to care for her daughter, which took her away from Rochester for much longer than she first anticipated when she left town. Her daughter has a serious case of Lupus, and is facing life-threatening health challenges because of a pregnancy. Sharion's extended absence from Rochester lead to her losing her job.
Sharion's son took over her previous job, before he fell ill himself. All of this happened over a few short months. Sharion and her family in Rochester were suddenly facing homelessness when he also lost his job.
That's when Sharion was referred to The Salvation Army for short-term housing support.
"We had nowhere to go, and we were so blessed by a network of people who connected us with The Salvation Army," said Sharion. "Our journey didn't start there, it started at my grandchildren's schools, Pheonix Academy and John Marshall High School, with Olmsted County who really helped to break our chains, and even at Mayo Clinic, who cared for my son. They really change lives. They have the best doctors in the world there!
"Rochester is a community of healing, love, and compassion. We've come to love it very much."
Sharion and her family received an emergency hotel voucher from The Salvation Army, a program that prevents episodes of homelessness for families with children in Olmsted County, MN.
"We talk a lot about getting people back into housing, but everything we can do to prevent people from becomming homeless in the first place makes a big difference," said Steve Friederich, Program Director of the Rochester Salvation Army.
Families who enter the program check in weekly with Salvation Army social services staff, where they provide updates on their progress finding housing and employment, and to utilize social services staff for referrals and support. Sharion's family entered the program on February 3, and exited the program into their new housing on April 30.
"The Salvation Army took us under their wing," said Sharion, "We received love, consistency. We give back by spreading the good news. Good news travels just like bad news, so why not spread the love and the joy. There's so much bad; we should spread the good news.
"They do it for real, and I can honestly say that The Salvation Army cares about the people."
Sharion and her family are now stably housed. Her son's health is improving, and he has gone back to school for nursing. Her daughter's health is still in jeopardy. Sharion shared that God has the final say, and that her daughter belongs to Him. Though she hopes God will keep her daughter here. The family is grateful for the prayers from their community for her daughter and her daughter's unborn child.
"Rochester is one of the most loving plaves I've ever witnessed," said Sharion, "They haven't lost the value of human life, family, and love. They all walk in love.
"I have met Angels, and I call them Angels because they are beautiful souls doing God's work on earth. It makes me want to run the race and reach other souls."
Sharion asked that this story include a shout out to Kiera, a domestic violence case worker here in Rochester, who made and especially powerful impact on her life. "That woman was my biggest strength when I fell down. She has a genuine soul, like gold. She was my Angel and I will forever love her."
Sharion also began leading a course called the Inner Outer Workout Studio with Sharion for Gage East residents on July 10. The course provides a space for residents of all ages and experience levels to connect with their inner and outer health through movement and music.
When asked what message she'd like her story to convey, Sharion shared she's grateful for the compassion she now feels for others experiencing hardship, and that she's glad she now knows first-hand the power of the network in place to support people here in Rochester. "It's been an honor and a privilege to go through the story, because now I've seen the love here."
To learn more about The Salvation Army programs in Rochester, or to submit a prayer request for Sharion and her family, please visit RochesterSA.org.