CONCORD, N.C. -- It's not unusual to hear music inside the Guerra household, but lately life is a little more busy.
- Stacey and Carlos Guerra added two foster children to their family.
- Now, they are encouraging others to do the same.
- The number of children in foster care has jumped 25 percent in five years.
Stacey Guerra and her husband, Carlos, have two biological children who are homeschooled. However, around a year ago they decided to expand.
Now, they are foster parents with two additional children, a four-year-old and 19-month-old.
“It's chaotic. It's noisy. It's fun,” Stacey said.” “I just love the joy of children.”
The Guerras admit it can be difficult but they know it's worth it.
“Yes, children might have issues or what you might call baggage, but who doesn't,” Stacey said. “Everyone still needs love.”
The Guerras are needed now more than ever. According to foster care officials the need for foster families has skyrocketed due to the opioid crisis.
“We are seeing more babies that are born addicted,” said Children’s Home Society of North Carolina Permanency Planning Specialist Robin Fox.
According to the Children's Home Society, the number of children in foster care has jumped 25 percent the last five years.
The Guerras are on the front lines in recruiting new foster parents.
“They have taken upon themselves to be what our agency calls 'ambassadors,'” Fox said. “If I could clone them, I would clone them.”
The Guerras said if there wasn't a limit they would foster even more kids.
“They need a safe place. They need that one person who could get them in the right direction,” Stacey said.
The Guerras' foster children are pointed in that direction. The Guerras are in the process of adopting them.
They are the lucky ones. Thousands of kids of all ages, across the state, wait for their day to have a place to call home.
The Guerras' focus on getting them there is why they are this week's Everyday Heroes.
If you are interested in fostering a child, visit the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina website.
Did you like this story? Send us your idea for Spectrum News next Everyday Hero. Email us at everydayheroes@charter.com