Chester family faces being homeless for Christmas season

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- For the first time, a Chester family no longer has a home for its five children after a job loss and a series of setbacks.

8News spoke to the mother of the Walker family, who asked to go by her last name. She said they are struggling to find resources, a job and stable housing.

Walker said being homeless can happen to anyone -- and the holidays coming soon is an added weight. Uncertainty looms as, for the first time, her family might be spending Christmas homeless.

"I feel like, if I continue to think about it, I might just break down and give up," Walker said. "I'm scared, honestly. If there are any resources with Christmas, I could use that, as well, because I don't have any resources with that, either."

Walker said she's been on the waiting list for the homeless connection assistance since losing her home on Oct. 1. Other community organizations have told her they do not have the funding to help.

"It's stressful," Walker said. "Some days, it's really hard for me."

The seven Walker family members were previously living at Walker's mother's house in Chester. That's until the grandmother sold the house, leaving the family with nowhere to go. T

hen, the DMV suspended Walker's license after a car accident in June, which caused her to lose her job as a truck driver.

"They just turned my world upside down," Walker said. "I'm not sure what to do."

Now, the family is struggling to find housing that will accept Walker's credit.

Homelessness has also devastated her children, as they're struggling in school. Often, the family is living in and out of suitcases at hotels -- and even in the car.

"I put my backseats down, and I have a lot of blankets -- I love soft blankets," Walker said. "I make a little pallet out of them and we can sleep back here."

Walker added she has faith and that she hopes her situation will change around the new year -- but she knows it cannot happen without lots of help.

She told 8News she hopes her story will help empower others in similar situations to ask for help.