From Homeless to Hopeful

Shanjula Harris Receives GLF’s Very Inspiring Parent (VIP) Award

by Karyn Brodsky | Staff Writer

What does it mean to transition from being homeless to finding hope? Shanjula Harris from Dallas has lived through this journey herself. It requires unwavering determination, trust in others, creativity in problem-solving, and a deep sense of faith.

As a single mother, Harris not only looked after her own children but also dedicated time to helping others in need. “I delivered hot meals to the homeless in South Dallas,” Harris recalls. However, her circumstances changed unexpectedly when, in 2009, after seven years as a medical assistant at a local hospital, she lost her job. With limited options, Harris and her three children—Deon, Precious, and Twquan—sought refuge at the Family Gateway Shelter in Dallas.

Family Gateway offered them a safe place to stay, meals, and essential emotional support. “I felt devastated because I never wanted my kids to experience being homeless and living in a shelter,” reveals Harris. Through prayer, she found solace and aimed to encourage her children, who faced bullying at school for not having new clothes. “I worked hard to divert their attention from our situation,” she adds.

Shanjula is determined not to let her children face homelessness. Motivated by their mother, who earned a degree while at the Family Gateway shelter, her children followed suit: Deon has attended Texas Tech, Susporiea (known as 'Precious') is pursuing nursing at Texas Wesleyan, and Twquan plans to start studying mechanical engineering at either the University of North Texas or the University of Texas at Arlington next year. — Shanjula is determined not to let her children face homelessness. Motivated by their mother, who earned a degree while at the Family Gateway shelter, her children followed suit: Deon has attended Texas Tech, Susporiea (known as ‘Precious’) is pursuing nursing at Texas Wesleyan, and Twquan plans to start studying mechanical engineering at either the University of North Texas or the University of Texas at Arlington next year.

During their time at Family Gateway, Harris would send her kids to school before diligently searching for employment each day. Realizing she needed to advance her situation further, she enrolled at Kaplan University to earn a bachelor’s degree.

A case manager at Family Gateway recognized Harris’s determination and recommended Buckner Family Pathways, a transitional housing program for single-parent families pursuing higher education. Harris was grateful to move her family into an apartment at Buckner but acknowledged the significant impact Family Gateway had on their lives. “They alleviated our burden—providing meals and shelter,” she reflects. “Family Gateway was a lifeline for us.” After several months, Harris secured a position at the Baylor College of Dentistry, now Texas Health and Science Center.

Harris has made impressive strides in her journey. She currently resides in a North Dallas apartment, has obtained her teacher’s certification, and teaches special education within the Lancaster Independent School District. She is also pursuing a master’s degree in Psychology, while her children continue to excel academically. Deon has attended Texas Tech, Precious is studying nursing at Texas Wesleyan, and Twquan aims to further his education in mechanical engineering next year.

Despite her achievements, Harris remains modest and is eager to help others. “I recall the struggles I faced,” she notes, expressing her desire to guide local youth to the Family Gateway, enabling them to recognize their own blessings. “They possess [material] items that could be gone in an instant,” she states.

In the future, Harris aspires to start a nonprofit organization. “My goal is to support single mothers facing poverty by offering guidance and encouragement.”

In recognition of her resilience, commitment to her family’s well-being, pursuit of educational success, and her dedication to uplifting others, Rodrigosaffiliates Magazine is proud to present this month’s VIP award to Shanjula Harris.

Shanjula Harris with children at church where she leads the choir practice. “Engaging with the youth brings me such joy; witnessing their eagerness to express their faith uplifts my spirit. I cherish our community and church family. My deepest gratitude goes to my Pastor, whose support sustains me. I feel truly blessed!”

About Family Gateway

Family Gateway is committed to ending child homelessness by offering innovative and comprehensive housing as well as social and educational services to homeless families with children.

Established by Mayor Annette G. Strauss in 1986, Family Gateway has been aiding homeless families for nearly three decades. They not only provide safe and secure housing and thorough case management but also collaborate with partner agencies to offer a variety of services, including health care, job readiness training, financial literacy, and educational resources such as preschool and afterschool programs, GED preparation, and transitions to higher education.

Program Effectiveness

• 100% of eligible seniors graduated high school, compared to a 75% average in DISD.

• In 2013, 22% of employed parents saw promotions while at Family Gateway.

• The number of families served expanded by 750% over the past three years.

• All program outcomes surpass HUD-defined benchmarks for families securing or maintaining permanent housing and increasing earned income.

For details about upcoming fundraising events or information on how to volunteer, visit www.FamilyGateway.org