Who is Ray?

From San Francisco to Kansas

Using Miracle Money, Ray recently transitioned from a tough part of his life where he didn't have a home for quite a while to permanent housing in Kansas.

He was also able to achieve his other Miracle Money goal and is now contributing to his daughter’s college fund.

Miracle Money Goals 2021

1. Find permanent housing

2. Create a savings account for daughter’s college fund

Six Month Goals Update

1. Permanent housing achieved

2. Started a savings account for daughter’s college fund

In Ray’s Words

“Hope. That is one thing that Jen has given me since the first day we spoke. No matter what troubles I had faced or am currently facing, there was an answer to it; it may not be the answer I wanted to hear, but it was an answer that gave me hope that it will get better. So Miracle Friends to me and what Jen has meant to me was just giving me hope that things aren’t going to be bad, all the time. It’s gonna get better.”

More about Ray

Prior to being unhoused, he was a dad, a husband, a very good salesman, and he enjoyed his work. Unfortunately, he and his family were separated, and later on, he joined us here at Miracle Messages.

Ray’s Miracle Money Experience

“It's a blessing to feel what it's like to be home again.”

In January, we were very excited to give Ray the special news that he was chosen as one of the 15 recipients, but what was really heartwarming was his first words of thought: “There isn’t anyone out there who could use it more though? I really appreciate the kindness and the gesture, but I don’t know.”

This moment was very special and it is incredibly kind of him to put the needs of others even when he has his own situation to deal with. Ray is truly a wholesome and kindhearted being, and he cried tears of joy as he learned about this opportunity that would positively impact his life.

After accepting the Miracle Money gift that would ultimately change his life, Ray had two goals: to support his daughter financially and to have permanent housing that she could come back to. Within the last month, he was finally able to get permanent housing by living with a friend.

In addition, Ray was able to get in closer contact with his daughter. Not only was Ray able to accompany his daughter to buy a prom dress, but he also went to her high school graduation and is spending some of the Miracle Money to pay for her college fees.

With the stability housing offers, he is going to seek job opportunities once he feels he is ready and is healed from his heart surgery in June and health issues.

To facilitate the transition from temporary housing to permanent housing, Ray had to move to Kansas. Yet unfortunately had to be driven straight to the hospital once he arrived because his heart was working at only 21%. Luckily, he received care for heart failure and is now seeking help to maintain his health.

Also using Miracle Money, Ray was able to purchase a defibrillator vest to decrease the risk of stroke. Having the funds definitely supported his goals and even helped him throughout his health scare.

Along the Way

In March, Ray was excited to have his daughter join him for dinner and to talk about her school and how life is going. He is saving up for permanent housing, and he doesn’t intend to use the funds immediately. 

In April, newly reunited with his daughter, Ray is very grateful to have the financial support that enables him to spend more time with her and help her with her dorm payment for the upcoming school year. However, he’s saving most of his  Miracle Money for his upcoming move and the purchase of a permanent home. 

In May, his daughter's school held a week-long program about forming and building a community. Ray and his Miracle Friend recorded a talk about what building a community meant to them. The recording was played for the entire school so everyone could hear his wonderful story.

In the spring and before his heart surgery, with temporary housing and Miracle Money, Ray was able to attend interviews to look and save for permanent housing. He says he felt greater motivation and sense of opportunity to pursue this goal, a permanent place where his daughter could stay, too.

On Sharing

We asked Ray what he thought about sharing his story:

“I’ll tell you one thing, because of my situation prior to being put into temporary housing, you know being homeless and all. I used to be embarrassed by all that. Now I just want to share this story because I think that a lot more people out there can benefit from it.”

He adds that the Miracle Money and Miracle Friends programs have brought him significant support.