Opportunity Home resident, Single Father Devoted to Fatherhood
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Donald Heard, Jr., a Opportunity Home resident and single father, devotes his life, not only on Father’s Day but everyday to care for his two youngest children.
“Whatever my kids need, I try my best to provide,” Heard said. “I love being a parent. If my children have issues with anything, they know that they can count on me.”
In 2012, Heard’s wife passed away and he took on the responsibility of being a single father to his youngest children. Alone, Heard found himself searching for childcare during workdays and sometimes seeking assistance from shelters for a place over their head.
In 2018, Heard moved to San Antonio from California after his brother-in-law persuaded him to start a new journey for him and his children. He stayed in a hotel and at Haven for Hope while he secured housing assistance through Opportunity Home. Heard said times were tough but he ultimately overcame the challenges.
“No matter the challenge, I made sure my kids were by my side,” Heard said.
Heard lives at Lincoln Heights Courts and is a member of Urban Faith Mission, where he takes his children to church every Sunday, encouraging them to be positive and polite no matter the situation and to pursue their dreams.
“I try to point them in the right direction. I like my kids to know that I can help them if they need it,” said Heard. “I see potential in my kids, if they focus on something, and they start something by themselves, I support them every inch of the way.”
We are resilient. We are devoted. #WeAreOpportunityHome