Mattie J. Davis

My Why

Backed by a religious background, Davis grew up with 13 siblings on the city’s south side. A

traditional nuclear family dynamic, this structure provided consistency, routine, comfort and

support one should expect from a close-knit relationship. However, on the other side of the

nurturing benefits imagined of bubbles and rainbows, a harsh reality would later underscore a

profound message about community and that it truly takes a village.

From teen-aged mom of one to mother raising four children all close in age, Davis eventually

left an abusive partnership and both the practical and financial support it offered in exchange

for peace of mind. “It was a sacrifice. I chose me—believing I could face whatever the

circumstances as long as me and my children stayed together...”

At the turn of the new millennium, Davis, now on her own, faced a demanding incline. As if the mantra of distress involving the obstacles of single parenting weren’t heavy on its own, her accomplished CDL position as a public-school bus driver was just enough to help camouflage the truth of a more serious matter. While juggling low income, sibling loyalty and still struggling to make ends meet, “I went from having a foundation, to being the foundation to having no foundation at all.” but looking back, admittedly, she realizes it was her overcommitted stance that caused her to become literally homeless.

In the midst and supporting her own reasons as to why she chose to avoid homeless shelters,

The smoke and drug free young mother maneuvered her newfound invisibility. Needing to

maintain discretion for safeguarding, ironically, nightfall would bring with it the uncertainty of

the sleepless nights she often faced. “It was a devastating reality,” she explains, “I was

reduced to what felt like rock bottom…” From trying to remain undetected by those she knew

in the public to riding around in search of the safest parking lots, this went on for months for

the family of five who slept many nights inside the two-door Thunderbird.

Davis eventually confided in a co-worker with whom she felt comfortable and who in turn

ultimately opened her home to the quintet. Surprisingly, the obscure living arrangement did

not fall short of comfort, trust, and emotional support. It had afforded clearer thinking which

helped to shift the energy in favor as a result. She had soon begun to attract and gain

comprehensive support from the Archdiocese of the St. Louis Catholic community. Their wrap-

around services provided a holistic approach for Davis and provided indispensable programs

through multisector collaborations, “Being overshadowed by survival mode made it

impossible for me to function properly. When the community provided me economic

stability—my education, housing, … it released trauma I wasn’t aware had even affected my

children. We received not only unbelievable compassion, but this gave us steady grounding.”

With confidence, Mattie would continue upon an upward trajectory towards success. Her

history would somewhat repeat itself close to home but this time ending in tragedy. The life

changing impact would become the catalyst that ignited a divine calling to which early on,

could not be described in words. It manifested itself as a movement, a calling--her mission.

Two decades later, with her two adopted daughters skipping alongside her, the Aquarian mom

would enjoy early morning strolls around their home located within the historic Hyde Park

District of the city’s north side. She would explain the abandoned buildings that chaperoned

the avenues but still held onto their beautiful potential. As many could ignore the shadow of

the original neighborhood, Davis would stare in awe at the remnants of great architectural

details easily seen by the humanitarian eye. Even there she entertains the communal thoughts

of restoration.