Our Stories

Ariel Richardson is a Lactation Coordinator who just started her position with Medical City Dallas in January. She assists new moms and babies, and has gained valuable experience toward her dream of being a Lactation Consultant. Just a few months after starting her new position, she came home to find the exterior of her apartment caught fire earlier that day. The blaze did not make it into her home, but the front of her apartment filled with smoke. Her home was no longer livable, and she had to throw away all of her living room furniture due to smoke damage.

Negotiating with her apartment complex and renters’ insurance was difficult; they claimed that since there was no fire damage, her unit was livable, and they were not obligated to assist her. The complex agreed to let her move to another unit, but only if she could pay for the first month in advance. That unexpected cost, coupled with utility transfers and other moving expenses, was more than she could afford, and she didn’t know what to do. Then, she remembered learning about the Hope Fund during orientation.

The assistance she received allowed her to move into a safe new home and replace some of her belongings. “I was so grateful and so thankful!” Ariel said. “You gave me peace and hope. I felt like I wasn’t alone.”