RAM House has been located since 1987 inside a square brick building on Campbell Avenue built in 1926 that once housed the congregation and school of Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church.
In a rational universe, having a job would be enough to get you by. But in the universe we have, that鈥檚 not always the case.
Keira, a soft-spoken young woman with a toddler in tow, speaks enthusiastically about her work at the 色多多 Rescue Mission. Her official role has been receptionist, but 鈥測ou do everything,鈥 she says. As the first person someone meets when they come in, she might morph into a de facto case manager, assisting the client with filling out a job application or whatever else they need.
鈥淲hen you work at the Rescue Mission, there鈥檚 no limitation on your job title,鈥 she said. 鈥淵ou have to have a passion for helping.鈥
Recently, what she describes as a job transfer situation has caused her to fall short.
鈥淩ight now I鈥檓 in need of some help, so that鈥檚 why I鈥檓 here at RAM House.鈥
Keira has lived in the area all her life, and attended Patrick Henry High School. She and her husband 鈥 her best friend鈥檚 cousin whom she鈥檚 known since they were young 鈥 have two children, 2 and 17. He鈥檚 had a crush on her 鈥渇orever,鈥 she grins, but is quick to add how important it is to have a partner 鈥渨ho really loves you treats you well.鈥 He has his own business breeding dogs, some of which are for used as service animals. Both of them like to help out in the community, she says, feeding the homeless, doing things for kids at Christmas, and so forth.
鈥淚 always believe God speaks to you and through you,鈥 she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 always a blessing to be a blessing.鈥
The reason for this day鈥檚 visit is rent assistance. Keira says she has used RAM in past, but only when she really needs them; she applied for help with an electric bill about four years ago, and says she鈥檚 glad the organization is here for people in their time of need.
鈥淪ometimes you need just a little assistance, just a little help,鈥 she said. 鈥淚f you have that resource to come through for you it鈥檚 always good.鈥
Working at the Rescue Mission has given Keira important insights about the community, and how quickly a person鈥檚 fortunes can turn.
鈥淚t鈥檚 all about being a village, and being humble, and never looking down on anybody,鈥 she said. 鈥淏ecause you never know when your situation might change.鈥
RAM House has been located since 1987 inside a square brick building on Campbell Avenue built in 1926 that once housed the congregation and school of Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church.
