You can have a roof over your head and still be considered homeless.

These days, a growing number of families are turning to 'weekly rate’ hotels as a way to stay off the streets. But don't let the roof fool you, many of these motels-turned-homes are shoddy, small, and unkempt. Hardly ideal living conditions for any person, nevermind young children.

Tracy and her four children are one of the thousands of families across the U.S. who call a motel "home." Although their living situation is not ideal, Tracy says it is an upgrade over the last motel room they lived in. Her husband works full-time, but Tracy cannot find a job, so the motel room is the only housing they can afford.

Seems every weekly rate hotel I have ever visited is horrible. Besides being run down, most places are filled with drug dealers, criminal activity and are unfit for children. It’s easy to understand why Tracy wants a better environment for her kids.

Special thanks to Mobile Loaves and Fishes mlfnow.org

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