A Safe Haven for Tamara

Spiteful words can sting as much as a slap. Tamara knew this all too well. Her husband would hurl hurtful words at her, like, “You’re ugly. You should be glad I married you.” 

These words were intended to make Tamara feel small, worthless, and trapped. 

The abuse was worse when Tamara’s husband was drinking. Those were the moments Tamara feared the most. She feared for her safety. She feared for her daughter’s safety. 

In some ways, though, living in a constant state of fear was nothing new to Tamara. “I was abandoned when I was a baby. I was adopted when I was born. My adoptive dad was an alcoholic and abusive.” 

It’s said that women often marry someone just like their father. And tragically, this was true in Tamara’s life. “My husband was an alcoholic just like my adoptive dad. My husband was abusive also.” 

One day, Tamara’s husband was arrested for driving while drinking. He couldn’t get his immigration paperwork approved and was soon deported. 

Although this brought some relief to Tamara, a new fear now surfaced. “I was going to be homeless. It would be hard being on the street with a child.” 

When Tamara learned about the women’s recovery program at Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission, she wasn’t sure if she’d qualify. Tamara had never struggled with addiction. Domestic violence, however, is the leading cause of homelessness for nearly 60% of women. Tamara soon discovered the program was also for victims of abuse like her. 

YOU HELP BREAK LIES THAT TRY TO KEEP WOMEN TRAPPED 

Entering the program launched Tamara on her healing journey. With time, Tamara learned to dismantle the lies she’d spent her whole life believing. Lies that had told her she was unworthy. Incapable. And too broken to ever be really, truly loved. 

“The Mission taught me a lot of good things. I learned how to make better decisions on what to look for in relationships. How to protect myself and set boundaries so I wouldn’t get used or abused anymore.” 

Before long, Tamara began to believe the truth of what God says about her through His Word. Today, Tamara knows that she’s worthy of Jesus’ love. She’s capable of achieving the dreams God has placed in her heart. She can live a life free of fear and full of hope. 

“This is the best program. My daughter and I have a better relationship because I’ve worked on myself. I can now provide a stable home. I’m so grateful for the Mission.” 

The abuse in Tamara’s past made her feel afraid, ashamed, and trapped. Your support has given her healing and hope through God’s love. Today, Tamara has a new life in Christ. Thank you for providing freedom to Tamara and so many women like her. 

YOU’RE PROVIDING MEN AND WOMEN WITH A REASON TO GIVE THANKS 

Change takes time. It doesn’t happen overnight. When a man or woman has experienced homelessness, abuse, or addiction for months, years, or even decades, it takes time to unlearn the lies that have kept them trapped. 

With patience, with perseverance, with prayer and care, our homeless neighbors soon step into the new life God created them to live. You’re giving these neighbors, and so many others like them, a reason to give thanks! 

“My life had taken a turn for the darker side. I was getting deeper into alcoholism. I found myself homeless. I’m very thankful for this recovery program. Every class was so helpful for me.”
— DOLORIS

“Being homeless is hard. You can’t trust anybody. I came to the men’s recovery program. I started meeting other brothers going through the same struggles. I’m very thankful for what this Mission has done for me.”
— DARON

“I lost direction. I started using meth. After that, I was hopeless. I’m thankful for the friends and community I’m involved with at the Mission. I’m thankful I can tell you I’m clean and sober.”
— LAURA

As we head into summer, your support today will help save — and even change — the lives of more men and women. Thank you for giving again as the Lord leads you.