After moving to Los Angeles in 2002, away from her support system, a mother of two struggled to find child care. This led to a domino effect of hardships, including homelessness for a short but devastating period of time.
“The first three years of my [first son’s life], it was a struggle,” said Tashebia Guyton.
That struggle to make ends meet came to an end when she received a tip to connect with CCRC that would change her and her family’s lives.
Tashebia received help from CCRC in the form of a child care referral and financial assistance, support that she can’t imagine life without.
“I’m kind of scared to think about it, I don’t know where I’d be if I didn’t have the people to support me and the supportive services there to get me through,” said Tashebia. “And it’s just life. Whether you’re rich, poor or in the middle, everyone needs child care. Everyone has children and wants them to be in a safe place. So CCRC, I don’t know how I’d live without them.”
A report by CCRC’s Research Division found 5% of our families indicated they live in unstable housing, and 13% of our families asked for a referral for a place to live.
Tashebia hopes other parents in need of support will do what she did – make a call that makes a difference.
“All that it is that people are looking to be is just to progress, to be all they can be. And with CCRC’s support… there are parents, mothers and fathers who have the opportunity to go out, to go to work, to school, better themselves and get another job,” she shared.
Today, she’s proud to have a stable home in Palmdale for her sons, 22-year-old Tyler and 6-year-old Tytus.
“They are the love of my life, they make my heart beat,” she said with tears in her eyes.
Tashebia has a job and is pursuing her dream of higher education.
“So that I can eventually get my masters and eventually master my life and be comfortable and not ever be in a homeless, houseless situation again.”
Anyone in need of referrals for housing or other essential services should visit our Family Resource Directory.
