For Leena, single parenting and poverty go hand in hand. “I’m struggling,” says the 38-year-old. “But without The Salvation Army I’d feel worse. Hope wouldn’t be there.”

In 2014, Leena’s husband of 16 years abruptly left the marriage, leaving her with mortgage payments, bills―everything. It was all she could do to keep a roof over her head and that of her two young children. When it got to the point of being unable to put food on the table or pay the heating bill, she reached out to The Salvation Army for help.

“It was hard for me to ask for help,” says Leena. “I’d always been self-sufficient.”

The Salvation Army has supported Leena in many ways that includes Christmas assistance, help with food and clothing, how to cook on a budget and other supports.

“The Salvation Army helped me find housing, provided practical support such as mattresses and connected me with resources to help with heating,” says Leena. “heir support is helping me to get back on my feet. Something I thought would never happen.”