Christina* had planned for the sleepless nights of new motherhood—but not for the sleepless nights of an unexpected housing search.
Daphne*, a working mother of three, unexpectedly received a 10-day electricity shutoff notice. Since moving into their new place, Daphne had struggled to understand why her electricity bills had suddenly skyrocketed. With 12-year-old twins and a 17-year-old at home, the prospect of an electricity shutoff put the family’s food security at risk.
A house fire marked the beginning of a challenging period for Susan* and her family of six. What started as a sudden displacement evolved into two years of housing instability. During this time, they navigated the complexities of homelessness, moving between temporary accommodations and relying on the support of local services.
Brittany, a single mother, faced dire financial stress when her daughter attempted suicide. Taking unpaid leave, she struggled with balancing bills and caring for her child. This story highlights the thin line between stability and financial hardship, especially during Poverty Awareness Month.
Marion’s story is a reminder that even families who have prepared for a financial crisis can still find themselves at a loss if they encounter two at the same time.
Denise’s story is a reminder that many in our communities are one unexpected medical emergency away from a financial crisis.