By Tejal Thakkar, Expedia employee and United Way NCA volunteer
The Expedia team was so grateful for our opportunity to volunteer at Project Homeless Connect. The stories of people we met touched our hearts and left us feeling closer to our community here in Washington, DC.
Shontay and Marion’s story is one I will never forget. It was an absolute pleasure volunteering to guide them throughout Central Union Mission.
Marion was lucky enough to make it through the housing system to secure housing for her and her sons after waiting for over 20 years. Since she felt a little more stable, she decided to take her friend Shontay under her wing.
When Marion told me all that Shontay has accomplished, despite not having any family to support her or any shelter over her head, I was shocked. She is an incredible singer and is currently writing a novel.
As Marion was telling me this, Shontay came up to us beaming because she had just secured her birth certificate and social security card. Marion’s reaction was priceless. She was so proud of her friend and encouraged her by saying that she knew Shontay could do it on her own all along.
It was so encouraging to see the community that these two strong women had created for themselves by lifting each other up.
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