As a pastor, I’ve learned to discern real need from those who prey on kindness. This is a story of genuine crisis. I am their ad hoc pastor, a kinsman redeemer of sorts. This family and their situation has captured my heart...while helped by some agencies, this is an emergent situation because of the oppressive heat, and last week, tropical rain, in this area.

In March 2026, Cheryl lost her father — and the family lost their home. The house was foreclosed, and with no other family support and an absent father who pays no child support, Cheryl and her two children (Allie, 18, and Ryan, 15) were forced to move into their late-model Hyundai Elantra… along with their two medium-sized dogs.

Cheryl lives with serious cardiac conditions. The mild spring gave them a brief window of survival, but now the brutal Alabama summer is here — 90–100°+ “feels like” temperatures with crushing humidity. Cheryl’s legs swell dangerously in the heat. The fear in Allie’s voice is heartbreaking as she describes watching her mom struggle.

Allie, who is on the spectrum but highly intelligent and functional, is carrying an enormous burden. She’s working at Cracker Barrel, trying to hold the family together while terrified of losing her mother. At just 18, she’s essentially parenting her mom and 15-year-old brother with no safety net.

They’ve been denied disability benefits (a hearing is pending), aged out of some assistance, and are currently #5 on the waiting list for Family Promise housing. Our small church of about 20 mostly seniors stepped up and gave a love offering that covered a week in a hotel plus some essentials. We’ve stretched it to another 5 days this week because of torrential rain.

**But next week the heat index climbs back into the 103–108° danger zone.**

Living in a car is no longer just difficult — it’s potentially life-threatening for Cheryl.

**Our Goal: Raise $5,000

This would allow us to secure safe housing — first and last month’s rent, utility deposits, and hopefully the first couple months while Cheryl and Allie, and perhaps Ryan find work to stabilize.

Every dollar helps. Every share helps even more.

You don’t have to carry this alone.

✅ Give if you’re able

✅ Share this post far and wide — to your church, friends, family, and community groups

This family is not looking for a handout forever — just a fighting chance to get out of the heat and back on their feet.

“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40

Will you be the answer to their prayers today?

Please share. Please pray. And if God stirs your heart to give, every gift matters.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.