Category: Emergency Assistance

Kendis, a 67-year-old man from Sedalia, lives with COPD and depends on oxygen 24 hours a day. The summer heat and humidity make it hard for him to breathe, and managing daily comfort can be a real challenge.

On top of his health struggles, Kendis didn’t have access to a traditional mattress. He had been sleeping on an air mattress, but it developed a hole and deflated. Unsure where to turn, Kendis reached out to Leslie, his Independent Living Case Manager at WILS, for help.

Leslie immediately provided information and referrals to local resources that might be able to help. She also connected with WILS Resource Development Manager, to see if additional assistance could be found through the Jeremiah 29:11 Manna Harvest Project.

Together, they located a twin-size air mattress, a queen-size mattress, and a bed frame for Kendis. When he learned that the items would soon be delivered to his home, Kendis expressed heartfelt gratitude:

“Thank you so much for your help—you’ve been a blessing. This is really a blessing, and you don’t know what this means.”

For Kendis, the new bed meant more than just a good night’s sleep—it meant relief, stability, and dignity. With WILS help, he can now rest more comfortably and manage his health with greater ease.

His story is a powerful reminder of how WILS stands beside individuals to meet needs, build independence, and make a difference—one small act of kindness at a time.

When a tornado tore through her neighborhood, Debra and her granddaughter suddenly found themselves without a safe place to stay. “Jennifer, my house is a wreck,” Debra said. “A big tree came through my house, and the back of the house is lying in my front yard.”

Unsure where to turn, Debra reached out to WILS, where Independent Living (IL) Case Manager Jennifer already had a visit scheduled that morning. “Just breathe—I’ll talk with my supervisor and see what we can do,” Jennifer told her calmly.

Within hours, WILS helped arrange emergency assistance for food and temporary shelter. WILS staff met Debra at her damaged home, helped her gather essentials, and got her and her granddaughter safely to a hotel. While they were settling in, Debra received word that her insurance would cover three nights of lodging.

WILS staff made sure the family had groceries and checked in each day to offer support and reassurance. Soon, WILS helped Debra secure temporary housing in a senior apartment complex. “I feel safe and very thankful,” she said.

The Salvation Army stepped in to pay the deposit and first month’s rent, and her insurance will cover the next month if needed.

Through resilience, community support, and the combined efforts of WILS, the Salvation Army, and her insurance provider, Debra and her granddaughter are safe, supported, and ready to rebuild.