Jun 12, 2008 5:35 pm US/Eastern
50 Years, 50 Families: Chrissy Morris
(KDKA)
With the sizzling temperatures we had this June already, one mom knows just how hot it can get in a third floor apartment without air conditioning.
But Chrissy Morris, of Brighton Heights, and her two kids sweat it out with just fans because they can't afford the extra cost for electricity from an air conditioner.
Now Morris will at least be more comfortable in her apartment with new furniture from Roomful Express. She's this week's recipient of the 50 Years, 50 Families program.
Morris, her daughter, Michelle, and her son, Daniel make do with what they have.
Mom has a sagging mattress and Daniel's bed is broken, so he sleeps on a mattress on the floor.
Social worker, Judy Zelezniak, with Family Links, says Morris has mild mental retardation and works hard to give her kids the best.
"She has them in a lot of activities in church and community," says Zelezniak.
Morris works two days a week at McDonald's, but the closest one can't accommodate the hours she needs to be with her kids after school. So she takes three buses each way just to get to and from work.
"Winter, cold, summer, heat, she doesn't really complain. It's just a way of life for her," says Zelezniak. "I have to admire her for that. She doesn't' complain about the furniture. I think she's become used to it."
The desk where the kids do their homework is falling apart and so is the coffee table. Also, there are only two chairs for the three of them to sit and eat in the dining room.
The Morris family will be getting $3,000 worth of free furniture from Roomful Express, and they are looking forward to being able to eat together and getting a better nights sleep.
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