Homeless Mom With Newborn Gets Much Needed Help From FL Detective

Photo: Tom Werner / DigitalVision / Getty Images

Just two years ago, Tyshameka Griffin of West Palm Beach, Florida, had a job and was able to make ends meet, but then one day her landlord raised her rent by more than 50%. Griffin tried to negotiate the increase, but was unable and ended up moving onto the streets. "I never thought in a million years I'd be homeless," she says, but she could manage. She could take care of herself.

While on the streets, Griffin became pregnant. Fortunately, during that time, she met Riviera Beach Police Detective Jennifer Jones at St George's Center, an outreach spot for the homeless. Jones, a single mother of two, made it her mission to help Griffin with food and prenatal care. So when Griffin’s baby boy was born on August 2nd and she was facing the prospect of having to be on the streets again, but this time with an infant, she reached out to Jones for help.

When Jones learned of Griffin and baby I’keem’s predicament, she got to work, mobilizing multiple local charitable organizations to secure a 90-day hotel stay for them until an apartment could be found. Griffin is extremely grateful to Jones for saving her and her new baby, but Jones refuses to take the credit, saying, "This is not a Jennifer Jones thing. This is a group thing.” But Griffin knows Jones is the reason she has a safe place to be and a chance to make a better life for herself and I’keem. "I know she helps," Griffin says, "She's a really nice individual. I love her."

Source: PALM BEACH POST


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