This family exhausted their Social Services benefits and had no chance of saving their home without a stable income. Cory Swain lost his job which provided for his family.
The Swain family, who have five children (Tatania 11, Kiana 8, Corey Jr. 6, Jonniana 4 and Gabriana 1) lost their housing rental in Lakewood. After staying in various hotels, they ran out of money and found themselves on the street without their possessions and no place to go. They are temporarily staying in a hotel in Toms River.
Six weeks ago they were living in a three bedroom apartment in Lakewood. Since then, circumstances pushed them over the edge. “They just have the clothing on their backs and their vehicle,” said Bill Southrey of HAVEN/Beat the Street, which is covering the motel bill. This story serves as a frightening reminder that many families are a job loss away from catastrophe. The Swains were struggling stay above water before the bottom dropped out. Corey Swain 38, is a Lakewood native and a former Army reservist who has worked in various automotive jobs. Dawn Swain 34, was a waitress who became a stay at home mom to care for her children. They had fallen behind on the rent and utilities and when Corey Sr. lost his job. They were evicted and according to Dawn and corroborated by Southrey, their possessions were discarded by the landlord. “It was just about everything we owned”, Dawn said. “The kids have no toys and
they don’t even have any jackets or clothing for the fall”, Dawn said. “I want my kids to be able to go to school and have school clothes and not be embarrassed about their parents or everything we’ve been through”, Dawn said as tears spilled down her cheeks.
Dawn said her kids don’t complain or ask for much with one exception,
“They ask, ‘Can we have dinner every night at a table?’”, Dawn said.
These kids are young but they know their family is in trouble.
“I tell them it’s going to be OK”, Dawn said, her voice cracking.
To help the Swains and other families in the same situation, please donate to HAVEN/Beat the Street.