Home for Thanksgiving!

Fallon, Charlie, McKenna, Megan, and Keaton

“HOPE” is how Megan describes what Catholic Charities means to her. Charlie and Megan Free and their three children – Keaton (8), McKenna (5) and Fallon (12) – are residents of Bethany Family Apartments in Dade City.

Megan says, “we were going through a hard time…the landlord upped the rent and we weren’t able to afford it…” Megan learned about Catholic Charities’ Bethany Family Apartments. The family was joyful when an apartment was immediately available! Charlie said the experience “was tough in the beginning…but it was all worth it.” During the four years the Frees have lived at Bethany, Megan said Catholic Charities provided a significant assistance:

“Catholic Charities helped at Christmas time getting the kids gifts” and providing “back to school clothes…gift cards so we can go school shopping.” They “helped me get my education in cosmetology” They also “provided transportation to doctor’s appointments” and help “the kids get to camp during the summer …so we can continue to work”.

Charlie chimed in that “Catholic Charities provided funds for me to acquire my Class D and Class G security license.” Megan says, Charlie will “begin looking for different work to…” save for their future, including a new home. Megan said, Keesha Williams, the Frees’ case manager, “was the one that got me to go for Habitat.” She asked me “what are you doing next?” “She’s really been a big help and she’s pushed me to do more and want more.”

Asked what they will do when in their new home? Megan offered that Charlie – whose green thumb led their apartment to be called ‘Busch Gardens’ – “can’t wait to plant our trees, our vegetables.” The boys wanted to “lay down in bed” and “play with my dog.” McKenna says she wants “to watch TV…and go to bed.” Charlie summed it up best: “I like to take it one day at a time…as long as we’re happy, it’s all good.”