Katherine’s Story

When Crisis Strikes at School

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. 

Before this crisis, Katherine had maintained steady employment and, with support from HUD’s housing assistance program, consistently met her rental obligations. Now, the repeated need to miss work to support her son began to strain this stability.

The Ripple Effects of Trauma

As Katherine devoted her energy to advocating for her son’s wellbeing, financial obligations began to slip. Partial rent payments for August turned into deeper arrears in September and October. Despite reaching out to multiple local organizations for support, she found no immediate assistance available. Her landlord’s threats of eviction added another layer of stress to an already overwhelming situation.

“I would have been homeless, and with a [sick] child,” Katherine explained, describing the gravity of their situation.

Protecting A Family’s Right to Heal With Dignity

When Footbridge provided $316 to cover the outstanding rent, it offered more than just financial relief. This intervention prevented eviction proceedings and preserved the stable environment Katherine’s son needed for recovery.

The impact extended beyond their housing security. “I avoided a huge financial crisis, and homelessness. I can finally relax, and smile again,” Katherine shared. With their housing secure, she could refocus on supporting her son’s healing and gradually returning to her normal work schedule.

The Convergence of Caregiving and Housing Security

Katherine’s story illuminates how quickly a family’s stability can unravel when an unexpected life event happens.  Parents often face impossible choices between maintaining employment and supporting their children when a physical or behavioral health emergency arises. When timely financial assistance prevents an eviction, it does more than preserve housing – it protects a family’s fundamental right to stability which is critical for wellbeing and recovery.  This case demonstrates how targeted support can interrupt the cascade of consequences that often follow traumatic events, preserving dignity and stability during life’s most challenging moments.

*This name has been changed for privacy reasons.