Darlene Shenier

When I was 2 yrs old, my family and I experienced homelessness. Me, Mom, Dad, Sister and my baby brother (still in Mom's belly) lived out of Dad's tiny hatchback car for some time. Dad did everything to earn money (from working at a temp agency, to collecting & selling cardboard, to donating blood) to keep us fed and keep the diapers stocked. While Dad did what he could to earn money, Mom would set up a play area for my sister and I in the hatchback or go to a park for playtime and picnics. After getting help from family and scraping together enough money, we were eventually able to get a place of our own. But what happens when you don't have anyone to help?

Every night, millions of people around the world go to bed without a roof over their heads. Homelessness is a complex issue, but together, we can make a difference. I'm partnering with New Hope Housing, a local non-profit dedicated to finding creative and lasting solutions to end the cycle of homelessness in Northern Virginia. They offer homeless men, women and children the services they need to change their lives and succeed. New Hope recognizes that sometimes people just need help and resources to get back on track.

On May 5th, we're having a huge Cinco de Mayo fundraising event called "14 STORIES OF NEW HOPE" at the Hilton Arlington National Landing.  I'll be going over the edge and will rappel 14 stories down the side of the hotel building to raise money, but I can't do it alone. That's why I'm asking for your help to raise $1,000 to help New Hope provide crucial services to those with housing needs. Together, we can make a real impact in our community and beyond.