26 year old Brandy found herself homeless at the end of 2011. After serving in the military and overcoming many obstacles after her discharge, she found employment with a military contractor in Fort McPherson. Once that base closed, her job moved to Fayetteville, NC where, after moving, it turned out the contract was filled and she was no longer needed. She had moved with a friend, and things didn't work out once she had no job and couldn't seem to find another one.
In October, Brandy found herself homeless, in a new city with no friends and no where to turn. For two days, she slept in her car, cleaning up in public bathrooms and buying water and small amounts of food. She heard about The Salvation Army and thankfully there was a bed available for her that same day.
Brandy checked into the shelter and found herself in a room with twelve beds filled with women of all different backgrounds who all had one thing in common...they were homeless. She was given sheets, a blanket, towel and washcloth as well as tolietries. "I was scared. I didn't know what to expect, coming into a homeless shelter," remembers Brandy. "Most of the people here are not what you expect to find at a shelter. Many have just had a run of bad luck, and they are trying to get back on their feet."
Brandy has been searching for jobs since day 1 in the shelter, even working for The Salvation Army ringing bells at Christmas. She has experience working for the Census Bureau, fast food establishments, daycare centers and clerical positions. Currently, she is taking classes at Fayetteville Technical Community College in accounting, hoping this will lead to a good, steady position in the near future. Until then, she continues to seek employment as her time at The Salvation Army is dwindling.
