I chose to put my dreams on hold and remain in Las Vegas with my family and raise my son. I was able to obtain a decent-paying job so I could support myself and my child. I moved into my first apartment and began "adulting". I quickly learned what living paycheck-to-paycheck felt like. Even with a good job it seemed it was only enough to survive. This prompted me to seek assistance from the State of Nevada Welfare. I was not receiving any support from the non-custodial parent, paying full rent, paying cash for groceries, on top of utilities and other bills. I assumed getting assistance through the state would be no problem however, I could not have been more wrong. Not only was I denied help due to income limit restrictions, but it is not taken into consideration that I was putting out more money than I was bringing in. I even applied to the Section 8 program, which is a rental housing assistance program for low-income households. I felt that was my final option to catch a break. I was placed on the waiting list in November of 2006. I would remain on the list for 13 years. Fast forward and I finally received an appointment date of October 7th, 2019. I made sure I had all my documents in order because I could not afford to miss this much needed help by being unprepared. I brought proof of denial letters of not receiving any help despite being a single parent trying. I was confident that the worker would be able to help assist me. I went to the appointment with high hopes, only be given at maximum 5 minutes of their time. The worker looked at my pay stub and once again I was told the same words I had become accustomed to hearing, "Unfortunately, you exceed the income limits". To put it in simple terms, I had a meltdown. I was disappointed to say the least. I advised the worker my wait time in the lobby was longer than the time you gave me. I asked, "Do you guys not consider that just because it looks good on paper after deductions, I am surviving check to check"? The woman was sincere I could see it in her eyes, but unfortunately, she was just doing her job. I then asked, “So, if I had more kids or had chosen a minimum wage job, you guys could then help me? right?” and her response baffled me because she said yes. I held my head high and gathered my documents. When I left the office I had a fire burning in my soul and I knew I could not be the only one going through these emotions and disappointment in the system I thought was designed to help us. This was the day when I was tired of hearing NO, when I needed help the most. I just needed someone to lift the burden. So, I began the blueprint to be the change that I needed. I decided to birth a nonprofit organization in which I named, Lift the Burden; because despite the numbers on the pay stub, everyone needs help at some point in their life. The mission of Lift the Burden Inc is to aid single-working parents who have been denied state or government assistance due to low income limit restrictions. Our organization appreciates the contributions to make this dream a reality. Today you could contribute and tomorrow YOU may be the one who needs the burden lifted. I will not fail, because I know there are so many like me. It is already humbling to raise a child alone, but it takes more courage to ask for help. So, join us and let us come together to lift the burden, especially during a time where tomorrow seems so uncertain.
“God is within her; she will not fail.” Psalms 46:5
Tameika Williams
founder