Jesika's Journey from Despair to Hope

Jesika's story is one of resilience. Homeless for years and battling addiction, she found herself pregnant and alone under the Grand and MLK Bridge in Portland. “I’ve been homeless since I was 13,” she says. “My mom died when I was 10. And my dad was very abusive emotionally and mentally.”

Hope arrived with Kristi, a UGM Outreach Worker, who offered unwavering support and kindness unlike anything Jesika had ever known.

“She was always there whenever I needed something,” Jesika says.

Together, they tackled immense challenges. Kristi connected Jesika with free prenatal care, helped her find a rehab facility that was the right fit, and stood by her side at the hospital as she delivered a healthy baby girl. Though separated for a year after Daekariia's birth, Jesika never gave up. Through faith and the power of human connection, she rebuilt her life. Today, Jesika lives in sober housing and is reunited with her daughter, dreaming of a normal life with friends, a job, and maybe even college.

“I see myself having a normal life. That’s not something that I’ve ever really had,” Jesika says. “It’s all because Search + Rescue literally searched me out and rescued me. And if it wasn’t for them, I would not be where I am today.”