Renewal Story: Kimbaveta

The pandemic of 2020 was tough on most of us. But for Kimbaveta, it was the start of a downhill slide into homelessness that left her trapped in a violent relationship. As she looked for a way out, she heard about Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County and decided to take the leap…

The single mother was attending college when everything shut down. “My mental health declined,” she remembers. “I couldn’t keep up with my bills, and I basically flunked out of school.” Her solution was to move in with her boyfriend, hoping to save money, but then the relationship broke down.

“I was in a domestic violence situation, and I had to leave,” Kimbaveta says. “I tried to find a way out, but I didn’t know what I was going to do. I was calling around, and I had a hard time.” She eventually reached out to the Tarrant County Homeless Coalition, who referred her and her children to Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County.

“It was scary at first,” she admits. “But once we got in, people were so welcoming. The staff were very kind. I felt my kids and I were safe.”

Kimbaveta met with her case manager, started our Women’s Program and began to make her way back uphill. “This is the most support I’ve had in a long time. Everything was helpful,” she says. “But ALPHA was amazing! It increased my faith. I was a Christian when I came, but ALPHA made me grow so much more.”

In addition to drawing closer to Christ, honing her parenting skills and learning to manage her money, Kimbaveta changed her perception of homelessness. “It was humbling. I was embarrassed to be homeless. But I learned there’s nothing wrong with needing help. UGM-TC gave us a stable foundation.”

By the time you read this, Kimbaveta’s family will very likely be building on that foundation — planning for the holidays in a place of their own! She is currently working as a medical receptionist and plans to pursue a career in real estate. And she will also stay involved with UGM-TC as a volunteer.

Kimbaveta is deeply grateful to you for supporting UGM-TC. “Every donation, every little bit, counts,” she says. “It gives someone hope!”