It’s been a decade of hope and heartache for one family who has had one home after another taken from them every time they’re about to settle down.
Tricellea Washington and her 11 children have been homeless three times.
The first time was in 2005 following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, which the family survived.
“We lost everything,” Washington told NBC affiliate King 5 News. “I remember everything.”
From living a stable life, in a home they owned in New Orleans, the family relocated to Colorado.
However, in a few short years Washington and her children had to leave the state due to an alleged abusive relationship.
After living in and out of homeless shelters, the family settled in the Washington State city of Shelton, where for three years they were beginning to settle into their mobile home.
Then on Dec. 8, smoke and fire started in the kitchen.
“We used the fire extinguisher, but that didn’t help much at all,” Washington said to King 5. “I knew that this means being homeless again.”
Even though Washington said her family got “lucky” and were able to survive the blaze, she’s not sure what her next move should be.
“I am so lost right now – I don’t know what else to do.”
According to King 5 News, a local homeless shelter is assisting the Washingtons, along with the help of the school district.
Both a fundraising campaign and a Facebook page have also been set up by community members to help the mother.
But through it all, the family is remaining positive.
“I have a lot of faith that we’re going to make it somewhere bigger,” one of Washington’s daughters said. “Everything happens for a reason.”