Why One Mother Chose the Vaccine

As the pandemic continues to impede the financial, physical, and emotional wellbeing of many, new vaccines are being heralded as our best shot to return to normal.

But for many parents experiencing homelessness, the decision to be vaccinated is not so simple. A long, well-known history of medical experimentation on low-income communities, social media misinformation, and concerns of how side effects might affect their ability to care for their children or retain their jobs have all weighed heavily on our parents as they become eligible for the vaccine.

Our shelter guest, Tierra, the mother of 8-month-old daughter Easton, was initially hesitant about receiving the vaccine for just those reasons.  Many of her relatives, friends, and co-workers shared this skepticism, and felt the vaccine’s benefits didn’t outweigh their very real concerns.

But when several members of Tierra’s extended family became severely ill from COVID in January, she changed her mind. “I decided to get the vaccine as soon as I could to protect my daughter, myself, and those who are close to me,” Tierra shared.

Tierra was the first in line when FamilyAid launched the first of several vaccine clinics for guests living in our large congregate shelters.  “I’m doing great,” she said after receiving her vaccination, noting that the experience was better than what she had initially read online.

Tierra is now helping to counter misinformation from spreading. She is featured in FamilyAid’s soon-to-be-launched public service campaign, with parents encouraging other parents to get the vaccine.

“Getting the shot feels fine,” she says. “I have some peace of mind now, knowing I can get back in the world and support my family.”

As government aid and increasing vaccine availability helps all of us do the same, Tierra and FamilyAid are working to deliver brighter futures for the children and parents in our care.