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Women in Poverty, Inc.
Publish Date : 12/5/2004 1:16:00 PM   Source : Culture and Community News

Ella came to the United States as an immigrant bride of an American soldier. He provided a middle-class life for her, and eventually for their four children. She was a devoted mother and full-time homemaker, lacking skills to work outside the home, but she loved her role. Unfortunately, her husband was killed in an automobile accident, leaving her with very little life insurance and she instantly became a young widow with children ages 11, 9, 7 and 2.
Ella's family of origin lived on another continent. Her husband's family had never accepted her or the mixed-race children. With no experience, she began to examine her options. Because she had some sewing skills, Ella sought contract work as a seamstress for a local dry cleaner. She was able to do her work from home. When the insurance money ran out, her income was not sufficient to maintain her $750 mortgage payment, pay the utilities, buy food, clothing and school supplies for the three oldest children. She knew she was going to have to give up her home, but she could not find an apartment that would accept four children. Her income, as small as it was, left her unable to qualify for any government assistance other than a small amount of food stamps.

Public housing was out of the question anyway since waiting lists were two years long, and worst of all, she had no money to move to a less expensive home. Her home was foreclosed upon by the mortgage company one year after her husband's death. She sold what she could of her furniture and what remained of it along with other household items were placed in a storage unit nearby which was going to cost her $100 per month. But now she could no longer work because she had no base. She and the children were taken to a local shelter, where they were told they could only stay for 45 days. After that time the children were to be placed in foster care if she could not provide a home.

Eventually she found a small house to rent for $500 per month which she felt she could manage if she could resume her sewing job, but the new landlord demanded a $500 deposit as well as the first month's rent in advance. The utility companies were all requiring new deposits since her previous utilities had been in her husband's name. She had no credit of her own. There was nowhere to turn for help.

It is stories like Ella's as well as her own struggles as a single parent that prompted A.S. Friedell to found Women in Poverty, Inc. Friedell is the author of Bitter Persimmons: An Unlikely Story, which chronicles her own life. Beginning December 1, Friedell is donating $1.00 to the organization for each copy sold.

The organization has a website at www.womeninpoverty.org, which features more stories like Ella's and offers an avenue for donations via credit card or PayPal. There is a contact email address for questions related to available grants. All applications will be reviewed by a three-person board of directors.

The organization is entirely supported by donations and uses no donated funds for administration. The website is supported by Meladell Market, an online store owned by Friedell and her daughter.