Christina* had planned for the sleepless nights of new motherhood—but not for the sleepless nights of an unexpected housing search.
A traumatic incident at school changed the trajectory of Katherine*’s son’s life, and with it, their family’s stability. The situation demanded Katherine’s full attention – court appearances, meetings with school officials, and supporting her son’s recovery consumed her days.
When Rebecca’s* child was born in March, what should have been a time of joy became a period of mounting uncertainty. Without paid maternity leave, she faced three months without income, disrupting the careful payment arrangement she had established with her landlord.
When Erica’s* daughter needed multiple dental and medical procedures over the summer, the timing seemed ideal. Her daughter, who has Down syndrome, could recover without missing school. However, the sequence of necessary procedures – tooth extractions, ear tubes, a sleep study, and adenoid removal – required more time off work than Erica’s remaining paid leave could cover.
A house fire marked the beginning of a challenging period for Caryn and her family. While they continued living in their damaged home, fate dealt another blow – Caryn was struck by a car, leaving her temporarily unable to work.
For Astrid, a home health aide and single mother, the delicate balance of work and childcare rested on predictable daytime hours. This stability was upended when her client passed away and her employer could only offer overnight shifts – a schedule impossible to maintain without access to overnight childcare.
Tanya, a working mother, found herself in a difficult situation when her car needed urgent repairs in order to be safe to drive. In many parts of the United States where public transportation isn’t available, a functioning car isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for getting to work, buying groceries, and managing daily life.
Marisa, a mother fleeing domestic violence found her path to stable housing blocked by an unexpected utility deposit, despite securing assistance through a Rapid Rehousing Program.
Lynette’s world turned upside down following an incident of domestic violence. With her husband, the primary caregiver for their child, removed from the home, Lynette faced a daunting challenge: securing childcare so she could return to work.
Denae’s story is a reminder that many in our communities are one unexpected bill away from a financial crisis and potential eviction.