Fifty-eight-year-old Edward Hughes III is no stranger to hard work, but he was struggling to keep his head above water.
Hughes has worked for the city for four years, but with inconsistent hours – one week he might work 30 hours and the next week less than 20 – he was constantly choosing among paying rent, his car payment or phone bill. He finally reached out to 2-1-1 for assistance.
“I was sleeping in my car, and I was working, but I just didn’t have enough money to get an apartment or anything,” he said. “But I never gave up. I just kept fighting for it.”
Hughes was referred to Building Stable Lives – a United Way of Greater Chattanooga-funded program administered through the Partnership for Families, Children and Adults. Through that program, he got help applying for the Neediest Cases Fund.
Adolph Ochs, publisher of the New York Times and the Chattanooga Times, began the Neediest Cases Fund in 1914, and now it helps people with one-time donations to get them back on track. The United Way of Greater Chattanooga manages the fund.
With $636 from Neediest Cases, Hughes was able to balance his finances. His caseworker, Marvin Campos, helped him get his life back on track and also became a great friend along the way, Hughes said.
“We talk about football, we talk about kids, we talk about getting my credit in order – we just have a ball,” he said. “He’s a God gift to a person. He’s the one that kept my dream alive.”
Campos told Hughes not to worry as they searched for a better job that could support him. Hughes said he kept thinking about happiness and being able to share those moments with his grandkids.
Staff photo by Tim Barber/ Edward Hughes sits at the Carver Center playground with his grandchildren Friday, Dec. 20, 2019. Hughes received assistance from Neediest Cases.“We started looking and looking and looking, and one day I just got a phone call from the city saying they were going to give me an opportunity to come back and work for them full time,” Hughes said. “There was one day I just I couldn’t sleep because I was so happy and felt so much joy thinking I finally reached my goal.”
He starts his new position with the city after the new year.
Hughes said it’s important to give back to others what’s been given to him. He enjoys mentoring kids and coaching them in basketball at the Carver Center. In the past, he’s worked at the Salvation Army to help the homeless.
“I want to show them that you can overcome some things that you’re thinking you can’t overcome – let them know not to give up,” he said, “Never give up, just keep fighting for your dream, just hold on. God is always there for you.”
Contact Elizabeth Fite at efite@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6673.