Single Military Mom Finds Strength in Assistance
A move back to the United States from Italy in 2023 at the end of her 12 years of serving in the Army left single military mom LaSaige Francis in a tough spot.
Her disability pay had not come through. Her car was still in Italy waiting to be shipped. LaSaige was working on building a new life but felt like every time she took one step forward something would send her three steps back.
She had joined the Army to find stability and security for her and her son. Her life growing up in Louisiana was difficult and she had no family support.
After leaving Italy, LaSaige moved to Los Angeles, California, with her three children, ages 13, 9 and 4. Without consistent pay, she could not get an apartment. She had to spend money on motels, and when she no longer had the money for that, she relied on friends or acquaintances. She was facing homelessness.
She eventually found housing but had no money to pay the first month’s rent and security deposit. She heard about Operation Homefront’s Critical Financial Assistance program, which is designed to provide short-term financial help for military families who are experiencing financial hardship.
“With Operation Homefront, I was able to make sure I had somewhere safe and dry for my kids. I never gave up because they gave me that encouragement because there was someone out there supporting me.” – LaSaige Francis, Army veteran
LaSaige had been going to bed at night worried that her children did not have a stable environment. She had plans, and everything revolved around stable housing. She was already enrolled in college online studying business administration with plans to graduate in 2026 and was told she could come back as an intern at a law firm where she had interned previously. She said donors to Operation Homefront not only made it possible for her to pay $5,000 in first month’s rent and a security deposit, but also provided $300 in food assistance.
“Thank you immensely,” LaSaige said about the donors. “From the bottom of my heart, it helped so many ways. The relief that night, when I learned about the assistance, was immeasurable.”
Since 2011, the national nonprofit has provided more than $41 million through its Critical Financial Assistance program to help military families stay strong, stable, and secure.
“With Operation Homefront I was able to make sure I had somewhere safe and dry for my kids,” LaSaige said. “I never gave up because they gave me that encouragement because there was someone out there supporting me.”
