Voice of a Guest: Londy
When thirty two year old Londy and her twelve year old daughter first came to Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen two years ago, they were not only hungry for a meal, they were also fleeing a dangerous domestic violence situation. For Londy, the prospect of homelessness was safer than the constant threat of physical abuse.
And with no family in the area for support, Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen soon became a place she and her daughter could find the routine of regular meals, a safe community and, even, tradition. “I love the little things they do here, especially on the holidays,” she says.”It really means a lot – to be able to have a place to celebrate whatever holiday is going on. “
It’s taken courage for Londy to trust people again, after living under chronic fear for so long. She’s been enduring unpredictable and temporary living arrangements while seeking out housing that’s truly safe and permanent. “I live in a shelter so the soup kitchen is really comforting,” she says, adding how much she found comfort by talking with one of the clergy members one day, and how the social services program has helped her navigate her resources.
“I was doing really bad,” Londy recalls. “And the people helped me with clothing, and resources like shelter referrals, so I could find ways to survive.”
While she tells her story, Londy pauses to say hello to another guest and then remarks, “Everyone – their whole demeanor, is really nice here. It helps.”
Today, Londy’s hopeful that her section 8 housing application will be approved before the winter sets in. While she must contend with the stress of waiting for that outcome, she’s gained enough trust in others again to meet with both the chiropractor and energy healer who volunteer their time at the soup kitchen every week.
“I’ve got really bad back problems from not sleeping well, and the chiropractor really helps,” she says, about the Thursday NYC Chiropractor association visits.
