My son’s father and I were staying with my grandmother to save money to pay off bills while other family members watched the boys. Unfortunately, my son’s father struggled with alcoholism and was abusive, and after one too many loud fights and noise complaints, we were evicted. I was working two jobs, trying desperately to get my family back together— but he was constantly getting into legal trouble and bringing me down emotionally and physically. One night, he got into trouble with the police, and because I was with him, I was
arrested as well. This experience was the lowest I had ever felt, and I realized that if I stayed in the relationship, I would inevitably lose myself and my children for good. When I was released from jail, I began calling around to see if any shelters could accept me and my three boys. By the grace of God, we were able to enter HEP’s Emergency Housing Program for Families.
HEP has provided so many new opportunities and resources that we have never had before. I had my wisdom teeth removed in HEP’s on-site Dental Clinic. Attending a career fair at the Workforce Development Center helped me secure a job that offers me the flexibility to attend school while also working to provide for my kids. I recently graduated with my medical assistant degree, and I am now looking for work in my field of interest. In the meantime, my case manager has helped me with budgeting and finding after-school care for my kids. The boys love eating in the dining hall, and during Christmas time, HEP provided all of us with Christmas gifts. They even ensured that my boys had school supplies and haircuts in preparation for their first day of school. As our time in HEP’s Emergency Housing Program came to an end, there was an opening in their Permanent Supportive Housing Program at Baty Villas, and I moved my family into one of their apartments. This offers me a little extra stability and time to save money for an apartment of our own. It has been a real challenge not spending as much time with my kids while I work and attend school, but I know my children and I are safe here at HEP. This place has helped me become a better person and I am starting to feel much more positive about our future.