Rhea, 18 years old, VA | 1 DAY WAITING

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Rhea always has a few snacks tucked away in her coat pockets—a granola bar in the left, crackers in the right, and sometimes a piece of candy hidden in the lining. She calls it being prepared, but when pressed, she just shrugs and changes the subject. Her habit of keeping food close stems from years spent in foster care, where meals were often locked away or scarce. Rhea learned to save leftovers and sneak food into her backpack, a mindset that has persisted into her current life at an independent living program. Rhea is quiet, dependable, and generous, often sharing her snacks with friends who forget lunch. Juggling a part-time job with community college, she aspires to become a radiologic technologist. With tight finances, food is usually the first area she cuts back on. Despite her hard work to build a stable life, she could use some extra support to keep moving forward.

Rhea has recently taken a significant step toward independence by entering an independent living program. As she adjusts to managing her own household on a limited budget, she faces challenges with everyday necessities. A collection of essential toiletries and basic kitchen supplies would significantly support her in creating a comfortable living environment. Having personal care items like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and toothpaste would help her maintain self-care without stretching her resources. Basic kitchen supplies would allow her to prepare meals, develop healthy cooking habits, and gain confidence in managing her home. These seemingly simple items are crucial for establishing a stable, independent lifestyle.