Mack's Story
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Today, Carmell "Mack" Sudduth smiles every time she walks through the front door of her Omaha apartment.
"It's home," she says simply. "For a long time, I didn't think I'd ever be able to say that again." Everyone knows Carmell as "Mack," a nickname lovingly given to her by her twin sister, Camille, who joked that her sister was as strong as a Mack truck. The name stuck – and so did the strength that would carry Mack through some of life's greatest challenges. After losing her mother eight years ago, Mack's life became increasingly difficult. She experienced homelessness for nearly four years, spending four months living in her car before moving into a tent. Then came two heartbreaking losses: her beloved twin sister, Camille, passed away from polycystic kidney disease in 2024, followed by the death of a close friend who was also experiencing homelessness. Those tragedies became turning points in Mack's life. "When my friend Krissy died in her tent, I realized I didn't want that to be my story," Mack recalls. "I knew it was time to accept help and move forward." That help came through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha. "This place is different from anywhere else I've ever been," Mack says. "Everyone here genuinely cares about you. They welcomed me with love instead of judgment. Before I ever had an apartment, Jill, Lily, and everyone here made me feel safe, valued, and like I mattered. That gave me hope that I could move beyond homelessness." Working alongside community partners, the Society helped Mack secure a housing voucher in just over a month. Once she had a place to call home, again SSVP Omaha, along with partner organizations, helped furnish her apartment with donated items, many coming from the Society's thrift stores. From a bed, couch, recliner, TV, and table to blankets, kitchen supplies, food from the pantry, and even the little touches like curtains, coasters, refrigerator magnets and salt and pepper shakers, every item was provided free of charge – transforming an empty apartment into a warm, welcoming home. "Everyone at St. Vincent de Paul played a part," Mack says. "You didn't just give me furniture – you gave me a fresh start. Everything you did made me feel like I belonged." Today, Mack (seen here in our chapel) is preparing for the next chapter. While her housing assistance is a stepping stone, learning to manage a home again, balancing the demands of bills, along with setting boundaries with friends are all part of working toward long-term stability. Mack has also recently started searching for employment. Inspired by the compassion she experienced, she'd love the opportunity to work in a job serving neighbors in need. "Seeing how everyone here serves others has inspired me," she says. "I've learned that helping people is part of who I am. I'd love the chance to give back the way others gave to me." For Executive Director Jill Lynch-Sosa, Mack's journey is a powerful reminder of what happens when compassion is put into action. “Mack never lost her dignity or her determination,” Lynch-Sosa says. “She simply needed people to walk beside her and remind her that she is worthy of hope.” “Watching her move into her own home has been one of the greatest joys for our team – but the journey doesn’t end there. For many people entering housing again after an extended period of instability, the transition can feel lonely and overwhelming. True stability often takes time. It comes when routines are established, purpose fills the day, and people gain confidence managing all that comes with maintaining a home – from paying bills to caring for their space.” Lynch-Sosa hopes Mack’s story reminds supporters that every act of generosity creates lasting change. “Our donors, volunteers, and staff make stories like Mack’s possible every single day,” she says. “Every gift, every hour of service, and every prayer helps someone move from surviving to thriving. We couldn’t be prouder of Mack, and we look forward to all that comes next for her. We will continue walking alongside her for the long run. She has become a friend, and we are deeply invested in her success.” |
Gifts to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha are used to care for the people who turn to us during their hour of need and are greatly appreciated. All of our services are provided at no cost. All gifts made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Our donor information is kept in strict confidence. Our donor lists are never rented, shared or exchanged with other organizations. The stories in our letters are real. Identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy and therapeutic interests of those we serve. For more information about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha, or to include us in your estate planning, please contact Development Director, Tim Sully, at (402) 779-8499 or at [email protected].
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