Hi my
name is Delva I stay here at The Mission in Citrus Inc. I never thought that I
would be homeless but the past year of my life I should have expected it. In the
past year my life hit complete rock bottom. I lost everything, my fiancé of four
years because of my drug problem. So I was left to raise my two beautiful babies
on my own with no job just me hustling my way through. I survived for a little
bit until things got worst. I became so depressed, so lost that I started to
attempt suicide. I attempted at least 12 times but it was one of the last times
that was the worst. In December of 09’ I tried killing myself but this time DCF
took my babies from me without a chance to even say good bye to them or kiss
them. After that I felt I had nothing to live for. I slept all day barely ate I
really didn’t care no more. Then my step dad came over told me I had to move out
of his trailer he said if I don’t want to help myself then he can’t help me
either. So there I was homeless. I was walking the streets wondering where to
go. I had no one or nothing but a suitcase with some clothes. I stayed on the
streets for 12 days boy I never thought I would have to do that but with no
choice and so exhausted I did. Finally my older sister Christina came to where I
was she was trying to help me but all I wanted to do was die. She said no it’s
not worth it come to my house. So I stayed with her for a couple of weeks. But
do to my DCF case I couldn’t stay there anymore. So we called around and the
only place I could be accepted was The Mission in Citrus. My first words to Jim
was “I’m motivated to sleep and not to live” Jim said “you’ll be fine”. Since
I’ve been here I’ve done a major turnaround. I now help the other girls with
problems, I help Jim out with the office work, and most important I get to see
my kids more often at least twice a week. If it wasn’t for The Mission I know I
would be dead. Yeah there’s drama and craziness but us homeless people are human
like everyone else from the riches to the sickest. We are all the same in God’s
eyes. The Mission has helped me become a better person in so many ways and I
love it most of all I have faith that I’ll make it in life. We have more laughs
then tears at the Mission and honestly half of the time you can’t tell we are
homeless. The love, caring and laughter you couldn’t tell we are homeless. But
most of us say The Mission is home because home is where you make it and thanks
to Jim and God and everyone else who helps support The Mission we can call the
Mission in Citrus Home. Thank you and God bless!

I nominated Delva Dillon today because of her
tireless effort to help the homeless.  Delva arrived on my doorstep after 12
suicide attempts and 3 weeks in the woods.  She was once again ready to give
up.  She soon realized that she was at a homeless shelter like no other. 
Through others who are homeless like her, she was surrounded by love and the
desire to get her life back in order.  Delva soon found out that helping others
in need like herself was her true desire in life.  Each week she helps residents
with food stamps, appointments, counseling on drug use, and most of all helping
others who have suicidal thoughts like she once had.  Last time she had a
suicidal thought, which was months ago, she grabbed Jim by the arm and made him
go to church with her when he was trying to play hooky that day.  God has become
very important in her life.  Thanks to Delva, several residents have decided
that life is worth living.  While Delva is far from perfect, she continues to
amaze me each day and it is very hard for me to describe how truly proud I am of
her and also her efforts to show all that they are loved and cared about
regardless of their situation.  My next step is to get her involved in schooling
so she can help The Mission get grants and further her education.  Without Delva
and others like her, The Mission would not be as successful as it is.  Delva, I
love you and I am very happy to see you get this award.  You greatly deserve
it.