Nationwide — Iris Smith, a 55-year-old African American woman from Hinesville, Georgia, is fighting stage 4 breast cancer while struggling to keep a place to live. Unable to work and waiting for disability benefits, she’s trying to survive both cancer and homelessness while caring for her family.
Smith was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer earlier this year. The illness forced her to quit her job, and with no steady income, she could no longer afford rent. Her disability payments won’t begin until January, leaving her family without financial support in the meantime.
“It’s been quite scary at times,” she told WTOC. For years, she has cared for her disabled daughter and raised her grandchildren, but her savings have been drained. Despite her hard work and determination, she recently lost her home.
Her niece, social worker Shanta Noel, said Iris’s situation shows that homelessness doesn’t always come from bad decisions. “Sometimes it’s a person who’s trying to make all the right choices and do all the right things, and these unfortunate things still end up happening to them,” Noel said.
Smith said her grandchildren are what keep her going. “Thinking of them makes me stronger and makes me want to move forward every day,” she said. “I’m doing this not just for myself, but for them as well.”
Local organizations, including Another Chance Ministries, have helped her with food and temporary aid. A GoFundMe page has also been created on her behalf to assist with housing and other living expenses. It has so far raised over $1,300.
After being evicted, Smith moved in with her sister for temporary shelter. She continues her cancer treatments while hoping to find long-term stability for herself and her family.
Source: BlackNews.com
