Marisa’s Story

In the heat of summer, as many families plan vacations and outdoor adventures, a different kind of journey unfolds for those seeking stability. This season, often marked by joy and relaxation, presents a unique window of opportunity for families in transition. It’s a time when moving into stable housing can happen without disrupting children’s school routines. Yet, even as this possibility emerges, so do unexpected hurdles that can derail the path to security.

Marisa’s* story illuminates this complex reality. A mother fleeing domestic violence, Marisa found herself and her children in a homeless shelter, their lives paused in a state of uncertainty. Hope appeared when she was awarded a unit through the Rapid Rehousing Program, a stepping stone to stability. But as Marisa stood on the threshold of this new beginning, an unexpected barrier arose: the utility company’s demand for a substantial deposit to start electricity service.

An Unexpected Barrier

For families transitioning from temporary situations, the path to stable housing is often strewn with unforeseen obstacles. Even when rent and security deposits are within reach, utility companies frequently require their own security deposits, particularly from customers without a payment history. These steep upfront expenses can become insurmountable barriers, preventing families from accessing stability.

Marisa found herself caught in this predicament. The Rapid Rehousing Program had opened a door, but without electricity, that door might as well have remained closed. The clock was ticking; failure to secure utility service within a specific timeframe could result in losing the dwelling altogether, forcing Marisa and her children back to square one in their search for affordable housing.

The weight of this situation bore down heavily on Marisa. She shared during our evaluation that she had never had utilities in her name before, and wasn’t sure what she was going to do if we weren’t able to get help. This was to be her first time living independently in years, a crucial step in breaking free from the cycle of domestic violence. 

Instability’s Ripple Effects on Families

The impact of housing instability extends far beyond the immediate concern of shelter. For Marisa and her children, the inability to move into their new home meant prolonged exposure to the stressors of shelter life. It meant delaying the process of healing and rebuilding that comes with having a safe, stable environment.

Moreover, the energy Marisa needed to focus on her family’s recovery and future was being drained by the constant search for solutions to this immediate crisis. When asked what she would rather do with this time and energy, Marisa’s response was telling: “That’s just where I’m at right now in my life; trying to put time and effort towards, you know, making a better life for me and my children.”

Timely, Targeted Support

Understanding the time-sensitive nature of Marisa’s situation, Footbridge stepped in and provided $1,116 to cover the electricity deposit, effectively removing the final barrier between Marisa’s family and their new home.

This intervention did more than just turn on the lights. It opened the door to a new chapter in Marisa’s life, one where she and her children could begin to build a home free from the shadow of domestic violence. It allowed them to leave the shelter and start establishing roots in a space of their own.

A Step Towards Systemic Change

While Marisa’s immediate crisis was resolved, her story highlights a broader issue affecting many Pennsylvanians. The challenges she faced are not isolated incidents but symptoms of a larger problem recognized by lawmakers and advocates alike.

With 2024 a reauthorization year for Chapter 14 of the Public Utility Code, a House Bill currently under consideration in Subcommittee would ban utilities from charging customers deposits for setting up service and reconnection fees. It would also create a moratorium on utility shut-offs during July and August, expand existing protections to water customers, and require utilities to pre-screen customers for payment assistance programs.

These proposed changes reflect a growing recognition of the barriers faced by families like Marisa’s. They acknowledge that the path to stable housing is often obstructed by seemingly small, yet significant, financial hurdles.

Marisa’s successful transition to her new home serves as a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we bridge these gaps. Whether through individual support or systemic change, every step towards removing barriers to stable housing is a step towards stronger, more resilient communities.

* this name has been changed for privacy reasons