ARC Housing Success Stories

Michael's Story. (Names have been changed)

Michael was referred to Dream Homes Community Center by New Fairfield social services in 2010. He had been in a hospital for most of the winter following a number of surgeries. During that time, his home was left unoccupied and pipes burst throughout the house. His insurance lapsed while he was in the hospital, because he had missed the bill, and when he was released from the hospital his home was uninhabitable. A veteran with multiple medical disabilities, Michael lives on a fixed income and could not afford to pay a full rent on an apartment. He also could not afford to make the necessary repairs to his home to be able to live there. With no where to go, he began living in his car.

When Michael first met with the Homeless and Housing Advocate, he was reluctant to share any of the details of his situation, including any personally identifying information that would be required for any housing applications. Over the next year, the Homeless and Housing Advocate worked to develop trust with Michael and encouraged him to work with the Veteran's Administration homeless team to explore housing options through the VA. In 2011, Michael agreed to apply for a VASH voucher - a rental subsidy available through the VA to help pay for an apartment and would also provide in-home case management services to program participants. Michael's application was added to the wait list and given an estimated time of 6 months - 1 year before he would be able to move into an apartment.

In the spring of 2012, Michael was approved for a VASH voucher. During this time, he continued to work with ARC, New Fairfield Social Services, and the VA homeless team for support in exploring housing options as well as continuing to participate in his medical treatments. At the time he was approved, his mobility had decreased to a point he could not walk up steps. This added another barrier to quickly securing an apartment, as he needed something on the first floor and that would be handicapped accessible. After three months of searching for a place, Michael and his team identified an apartment which met his needs and was within the VASH guidelines.

A request for tenancy was submitted to the VASH program to have the apartment inspected and approved, with a move in date scheduled for August 1. Michael's team worked quickly to line up additional resourses: The security deposit will be covered through the security Deposit Guarantee Program, available through the State Dept. of Social Services, and a hospital bed will be provided by the VA. ARC's Homeless and Housing Advocate completed a furniture request for Make A Home Foundation, which will provide all the furnishings needed to turn Michael's new apartment - into a home.

Story of two people we helped to end homelessness:
(Names have been changed)

Ashley came to ARC as a "walk-in"; she had been staying at the Danbury City Shelter after a falling out with her family. Her only income is from Social Security Disability, and she had been approved for State Supplemental income, provided she could produce a lease and show she had a monthly rental expense. She was interested in getting help to find an apartment, and to apply for assistance with a security deposit.

During her intake interview, ARC's Homeless and Housing Advocate reviewed her budget with both her current and expected income. It would not be sufficient to support a monthly rental alone. After discussing various options, Ashley agreed to talk to some family and friends about splitting an apartment.

The following week Ashley came in with her friend Ben, who was also staying at the shelter. Ben had recently lost his job and was collecting unemployment benefits, but it was not enough income for him to find an apartment or even a room to rent on his own. ARC's Homeless & Housing Advocate did a budget with their combined incomes, and they would be able to afford a modest 2 bedroom apartment and both have adequate income left over after rent to cover basic living expenses.

The Homeless & Housing Advocate linked Ashley and Ben with a local landlord who had affordable rentals. The landlord had a small two-bedroom available for $750 and agreed to only charge them the first month's rent and a one-month security deposit. The pair could come up with $1,000 to put toward the apartment, but would need help with the remaining balance of $500.

ARC's Homeless and Housing Advocate set up a meeting with Off the Streets, a partner organization that could provide help with a security deposit. At the recommendation of ARC, Off the Streets agreed to cover the balance of the security deposit so that Ashley and Ben would be able to move in before their 30-day time limited at the shelter ended.

ARC also worked with Make A Home Foundation to provide basic furnishing for their new apartment, and provided an "ARC Angel" Welcome Basket filled with cleaning supplies and personal care items. After less than 30 days utilizing the City Shelter, Ashley and Ben are able to make a fresh start in their new home.

Pam's Story. (Names have been changed)

Pam was staying at the City of Danbury Shelter after being kicked out of her parents' home. She had started working, and was trying to move into an apartment. The shelter staff directed Pam to the Point of Entry to get assistance with securing permanent housing.

Pam was able to meet with the Homeless and Housing Advocate as a walk-in. She had found an apartment which included her utilities, and she would be able to afford the monthly rent. The landlords had agreed that Pam would be able to move in with the first month's rent, and a $500 security deposit. She had her first month's rent saved up from working, but did not have the extra $500. She also had no furnishings, and no savings to use to buy a bed and other necessities.

The Homeless and Housing Advocate connected Pam with Off the Streets, and arranged for someone from that organization to meet with Pam at ARC the next morning. Off the Streets agreed to cover the security deposit for Pam on the recommendation of ARC. They would also provide Pam with kitchen items, including dishes, pots and utensils. ARC provided Pam with an "ARC Angel" Welcome Basket, valued at $150 of cleaning supplies and personal care items, as well as bed linens and towels. ARC collaborated with Make A Home Foundation, based in Newtown, to provide the additional furnishings that Pam would need for her new apartment.

Pam had spent 3 months living in emergency shelters in Danbury. In two days, she was able to access the resources she needed to move into her new home because of the collaboration coordinated through the City's Homeless Point of Entry.

Jenna's Story. (Names have been changed)

In 2012, the Association of Religious Communities was awarded a contract from the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide two 'lease only" vouchers to 2 people who were homeless and had a disability. The two vouchers will pay 100% of a monthly rental, for two years, for the program participants. "Jenna" is one of the people who has received a HUD leasing voucher.

Jenna became homeless after she was laid off from her job and was unable to afford her rent on her unemployment benefits. She began utilizing the Dorothy Day emergency shelter after being evicted, and this would be her primary residence for much of the next 2 years. Jenna has a number of medical problems which prevented her from finding gainful employment. Jenna met ARC's Homeless and Housing Advocate at the Morning Glory breakfast program shortly after becoming homeless. They discussed Jenna's situation, and agreed to meet later that day at ARC to complete applications for low-income housing, which Jenna would be able to qualify for because of her medical disabilities. ARC also referred Jenna to WeCAHR for help in applying for Social Security Disability Benefits.

Over the next two years, ARC's Homeless and Housing Advocate kept in contact with Jenna to alert her to any new housing opportunities that might become available. When ARC was awarded a contract from HUD for supportive housing vouchers, the Homeless and Housing Advocate forwarded an application to Jenna's advocate with WeCAHR. Jenna's application was turned in and placed at the top of the list for a rental voucher.

A few weeks later, Jenna was notified that her application was approved for a voucher which would cover 100% of her rent. Jenna had also been approved in January for Social Security Disability payments, and would be able to cover her utilities and other expenses to be stably housed in an apartment. Jenna, ARC's Homeless and Housing Advocate, and her WeCAHR advocate began looking for an apartment that would meet Jenna's needs.

Once Jenna identified an apartment, she applied for a security deposit through ARC's Homeless Prevention and Re-Housing Program (HPRP), and was approved for a one-month deposit. ARC connected Jenna with Make A Home Foundation to coordinate furniture donations including a bed, kitchen set, recliner and TV. Jenna also received an ARCAngel "Welcome Basket" and kitchen appliances from ARC. Jenna was able to move into her apartment just as the "overflow" shelters closed for the summer.

Nearly 2 1/2 years after her world fell apart -- losing her job and her home -- Jenna now has a safe, stable and permanent house to call -- "Home".

Tyrone's Story. (Names have been changed)

In 2012, the Association of Religious Communities was awarded a contract from the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide two "lease only" vouchers to 2 people who were homeless and had a disability. The two vouchers will pay 100% of a monthly rental, for two years, for the program participants. "Tyrone" is one of the people who has received a HUD leasing voucher.

Tyrone has been homeless off and on for the last 15 years due to chronic mental health and medical problems. His medical condition has been steadily deteriorating, and he could not begin treatment without a stable and safe place to live. When ARC announced in early February 2012 that we were accepting applications for HUD vouchers, Tyrone's Catholic Charities Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) case worker submitted an application for him to receive rental assistance.

Tyrone's application was reviewed by the Dream Homes Community Center's Homeless & Housing Advocate for Dream Homes and the ARC Executive Director, and identified as an eligible candidate for the program. Tyrone had zero income and received only food stamps and medical assistance from the State of CT. A rental voucher would mean that Tyrone would finally have a stable home, and would also mean he could begin receiving treatment for his medical problems.

The Homeless & Housing Advocate met with Tyrone and his HOT case worker to discuss the HUD voucher program and complete an application with Tyrone to receive a security deposit through the Homeless Prevention and Rehousing Program (HPRP). The Homeless & Housing Advocate reviewed guidelines for eligible apartments and gave Tyrone a "request for tenancy" form for potential landlords to complete, along with contact information for landlords who have previously partnered with ARC. Tyrone left to begin looking at apartments.

A week later, Tyrone had found an apartment he was interested in. It was near his doctors and his family, and within the HUD guidelines. The Homeless and Housing Advocate met with the landlord to complete an inspection of the apartment and review the HUD program that would be paying Tyrone's rent. The landlord agreed to lower the rent from $975 to $900, to be within the HUD guidelines for rent reasonableness, and agreed to allow Tyrone to move in once the lease was signed.

Tyrone has been in his apartment now for one week. He received an ARC Angel "Welcome Basket" as well as household items and applicants from ARC. He also received some furniture from "Off the Streets". He will continue to received case management from both HOT and from ARC to ensure his transition from being chronically homeless to being housed is a successful one.

Michael and Lindsey's Story. (Names have been changed)

Highlights -- Story of one family we provided Housing Advocacy services to (names changed)

Michael and Lindsey rent an apartment in Bethel with their two children. Lindsey has mental health disabilities and is unable to work, and Michael lost his full time job in 2010. The family began falling behind in their rent, and by December 2011, their landlord notified the family that he would evict them if they did not resolve their $6,000 arrearage. The family was referred to the Dream Homes Community Center by their DCF case worker to seek assistance and prevent the eviction.

Michael met with the Dream Homes Homeless & Housing Advocate to explore his family's options. At their first meeting, his income was only $1,800 per month and his rent was $1,200 per month -- he would need to find a way to increase his income or move to a smaller rental. The Homeless & Housing Advocate suggested a third option -- talk to his landlord about possibly lowering the amount of rent, in exchange for work around the property. Michael would need to discuss these options with his wife before making a decision.

At their next meeting, Michael and his wife had decided to try to remain in the apartment, so their kids would be able to stay in the same school. Michael had started a second part-time job, which would bring their income up to $2,100 per month. The Homeless & Housing Advocate spoke with Michael's landlord to see what options they would be open to. The landlord wanted to work with Michael, but needed to receive the back rent in order to pay his mortgage. The landlord agreed to lower the rent to $900 per month for one-year, if Michael could reconcile his arrearage within 45 days. The Homeless & Housing Advocate worked with Michael to complete an application for the Homeless Prevent & Re-Housing Program (HPRP) to see if he would qualify for assistance with his balance.

The Homeless & Housing Advocate presented Michael's application to the review board, and was able to get the family approved for $4,800 toward his balance, given the landlord's agreement to lower the rent so significantly. The balance of the rent would be paid by Michael once he received his tax return, so that his rent would be current beginning March 1.

The Homeless & Housing Advocate followed up with the landlord to create a written agreement reflecting the decreased amount of rent and a schedule for rent payments. The Homeless & Housing Advocate then met with Michael and his DCF case worker to review the agreement. DCF would provide follow up case management to the family to ensure they would maintain their agreement.

Rachel's Story. (Names have been changed)

Rachel and her daughter were staying at the family shelter, Harmony House, in November 2011. They had been homeless since January 2011, moving around to different shelters. They became homeless after Rachel's mother and son passed away, and she was unable to maintain employment due to emotional stress. Her daughter's father has passed away several years ago, and Rachel has little financial or emotional support from his family.

Rachel was referred to the Dream Homes Community Center by the shelter staff to explore her options for permanent housing. She is originally from the Danbury area and had been able to secure employment through a home-care nursing agency.

When Rachel met with Dream Homes' Homeless & Housing Advocate, they identified budgeting as a key area Rachel needed support in. The income from her job would be able to cover a rental provided she carefully managed her money. She was enrolled in Housing First for Families (HFF), a case management program which provides additional follow up support to families once they have been housed. She also completed an application for the Homeless Prevention and Re-Housing Program (HPRP) to get financial assistance with a security deposit and her first month's rent.

The Homeless & Housing Advocate suggested that Rachel attend the Danbury Project Homeless Connect so Rachel could meet with other organizations that may be able to provide counseling and support to Rachel and her daughter. At the event, the Homeless & Housing Advocate introduced Rachel to a local landlord who had previously partnered with Dream Homes to identify safe and affordable apartments for families in shelter. The landlord had a two-bedroom available in a quiet area, and agreed to show Rachel the apartment that weekend.

The following week, the Homeless & Housing Advocate met with the landlord about the apartment, which Rachel was very interested in. The landlord agreed to rent the apartment to Rachel in consideration that Dream Homes would continue to work with the family to maintain a budget and increase their income stability. The landlord also agreed to lower the rent from $950 per month to $900. Rachel was approved through Dream Homes to receive a grant of $1,350 for the security deposit and to have her first month's rent of $900 paid through HPRP. She signed her lease before Christmas and plans to move in by New Year's Eve.

Once the family moves into their new home, they will receive an "ARC Angel" Welcome Basket (valued at $150), filled with cleaning supplies and personal care items. Rachel will continue to receive case management to maintain her budget and strengthen her support system in the community.

MaryAnn's Story. (Names have been changed)

Maryann and her two granddaughters were renting an apartment in Danbury, where they had lived for a few years. The landlord was unable to maintain the mortgage and the house was going into foreclosure. In November 2011, Maryann found out she had to be out the apartment by December 17. Maryann works part-time, and receives assistance through the state for her two granddaughters, but did not make enough money to be able to afford an apartment in Danbury, or the deposit.

Maryann was referred to the Association of Religious Communities, Inc. (ARC) by her DCF case worker. She has been on a waitlist for supportive housing for nearly a year, but there was no telling how soon her family would be approved for a rental subsidy. She met with ARC's Homeless & Housing Advocate to explore her options for securing stable housing before she had to be out of her apartment.

The first thing that the Homeless & Housing Advocate worked on with Maryann was applications to Nolan Enterprise's subsidized housing programs in Danbury, Bethel and Ridgefield. If Maryann was approved for one of these apartments, she would pay approximately 30% of her income for rent. Maryann also submitted an application for the Homeless Prevention and Re-Housing Program (HPRP) to get help with a security deposit and moving costs.

Within a week Maryann was approved for a two-bedroom apartment in Halpin Court in Ridgefield; her rent would be $700 per month, and she would need a security deposit of $790. The apartment would be available January 1, 2012, and her current landlord agreed to let her stay until the end of December so that she would be able to move right into the new apartment.

ARC's Homeless and Housing Advocate presented Maryann's HPRP application to the review team, and was able to get Maryann approved for the full security deposit as well as a grant to pay for a moving company to relocate the family's items, as Maryann had no family to assist with the move and has physical disabilities that prevented her from being able to lift furniture.

The apartment in Ridgefield became available December 27, and Maryann was able to move in on the 28th with the help of the moving company. She is happy to have a new home with her granddaughters, and continues to receive follow up support services from both ARC and DCF to ensure stable and successful housing for her family.

The Smiths. (Names have been changed)

The Smiths were renting an apartment in Danbury with their 5 children. Both parents were working, but Mr. Smith's hours had been cut significantly at his retail job. Mrs. Smith's hours were also cut, and they began falling behind on their household bills. While trying to manage their $1,250 monthly rental, their utilities, and other monthly expenses, they had to make major repairs to their car, setting them over the edge with their bills. They received an eviction notice when they fell 4 months behind in rent, and decided to seek assistance.

The Smiths found out about the Association of Religious Communities, Inc. (ARC), and the housing program, Dream Homes, from the ARC website (www.arcforpeace.org). When they met with ARC's Housing & Homeless Advocate, they had already been to court for their eviction and had 1 week to be out of their apartment. They had family they could stay with for a few weeks, but would have to split of their 5 children if they did that. Both parent's hours had increased at work, but they could not save up for a security deposit before they had to be out of their apartment.

The Homeless & Housing Advocate reviewed the family's monthly budget, and with the Smiths identified some preliminary changes they could make to start decreasing their expenses, such as enrolling in a budget plan for their electric to better manage their monthly utility payments. The family was connected with the Community Action Committee of Danbury to enroll in a budget class and to sign up for the winter heat assistance program, Operation Fuel. They also completed an application for assistance with a security deposit through the Homelessness Prevention & Re-Housing Program (HPRP).

ARC's Homeless & Housing Advocate provided the family with leads on apartments that were $1,000/month or less and the family was able to find a three-bedroom apartment for $1,000 per month, plus utilities. The landlord was requesting only a one-month security deposit and the first month's rent. Due to the timeframe of their eviction, ARC's Homeless & Housing Advocate was able to screen their application for a deposit within a few days, and the family was approved for $1,000 for their deposit. ARC's Homeless & Housing Advocate scheduled a housing inspection and met with the landlord the next day to review the necessary paperwork to finalize their deposit. The family was able to sign their lease and move in the next day.

Once the family moved into their new home, they received and ARC Angel Welcome Basket (valued at $150), filled with cleaning supplies and personal care items. The parents were able to set up a budget plan for their utilities, and are successfully maintaining their new housing.

Heather's Story. (Names have been changed)

Heather and her son were renting an apartment in Danbury through the Section 8 Housing Choice vocher program. They had been in their home almost one year. The apartment was badly in need of repairs and had failed two housing safty inspections. The landlord was not addressing the repairs, so the family needed to find new, safe housing.

Heather would be able to transfer her Section 8 voucher. However, her only income is from Social Security Disability, so she would not be able to pay for a security deposit on her own. Heather found out about the Assoiation of Religious Communities, Inc (ARC) and their housing advocacy program, Dream Homes community Center, from the ARC web site (www.arcforpeace.org). She contacted the program and found out she was eligible for help with a security deposit to secure a new apartment.

Heather met with ARC's Homeless and Housing Acvocate to apply for the Homeless Prevention and Re-Housing Program (HPRP) at the beginning of September. She had submitted a request for an apartment and would need one month's rent for a security deposit ($1,400). Her appliccation was reviewed by the HPRP screening committee, and approved for $850 (approximately 60%).

ARC's Homeless and Housing Advocate met with Heather and her new landlord to discuss the balance of the security deposit -- $550. Together, they decided on a payment plan for the balance of the deposit $100 per month until the balance was paid off, about 5 monts. The landlord agreed to the payment plan and allowed Heather to move in on september 15th. ARC provided the family with an "ARC Angel" Welome Basket, filled with cleaning and personal care items -- a value of $150. Heather and her son are thriving in their new home, secure in the fact they have safe housing.

Sarah's Story: (Names have been changed)

Sarah has been precariously housed for almost a year, bouncing between different relatives' and friends' homes. She has a part time job where she has worked for almost one year. She has been working towards improving her stability in order to be reunited with her children.

In August, Sarah was approved for a Shelter Plus Care voucher through the PILOTS program and had the opportunity to move into her own apartment. She quickly found a two-bedroom apartment in a quiet neighborhood in Brookfield, where her children can stay with her and eventually move in with her full time. Her voucher would cover most of the rent, and one-half of the security deposit. Although she has a job, her income is not significant to provide for a security deposit and other start-up housing costs.

Sarah was referred to ARC by PILOTS for the Homeless Prevention and Re-housing Program to apply for assistance for with the balance of her security deposit. Sarah completed her application for the balance of the deposit with ARC's Homeless & Housing Advocate. She was approved for assistance for 50% of the balance. ARC partnered with "Off the Streets, Inc.." to cover 100% of the deposit for Sarah.

Sarah was able to move into her new home on August 15. She was able to receive home furnishing from ARC and Off the Streets, including kitchenware, towels, furniture, and an ARC Angel Welcome Baskets filled with cleaning and personal care items, valued at $150.

Securing her own housing has been a huge step for Sarah in her path to reunite her family. She continues to work and receive follow up case management to retain her housing.

Mary's Story: (Names have been changed)

Mary and her son were referred to ARC in April 2011 by Harmony House. They were living there after Mary lost her job and could no longer afford her rent. When Mary first met with ARC's Homeless and Housing Advocate, she had started two new part-time jobs.

Mary is a young mother, and has several evictions in her housing history. She was repeatedly denied for apartments because of her credit, even though she made enough at her two jobs to cover the rent. ARC's Homeless and Housing Advocate enrolled Mary in Housing First for Families, a case management program which provides additional support to young families to help them become rent ready. The Homeless and Housing Advocate connected Mary with an in-depth budgeting program so she could begin to improve her credit.

In early June, Mary found a modest one-bedroom apartment with a landlord who was willing to work with Mary and ARC, despite Mary's credit. The landlord required 1.5 months rent for a security, plus the first month's rent to move in. Mary was able to apply through ARC for the Homeless Prevention and Re-Housing Program (HPRP). She completed her application with the Homeless and Housing Advocate, and was approved for 85% of her security deposit. She signed a lease to begin July 1, 2011, so that she could save some extra money before moving in.

Mary was excited about her new apartment, but had no furniture or household items to make it a home for herself and her son. Even with her savings, she wouldn't be able to afford beds. An ARC Angel contacted ARC in June: her father was downsizing, and had nearly a house full of furniture to donate (two beds, a dresser, kitchen table and chairs, sofa, and two end tables). The ARC Homeless and Housing Advocate coordinated a delivery for the furniture donation to arrive the day after Mary moved into her new home - despite it being a holiday weekend. Within one short month, Mary was able to secure a new home and a new start for her family.

Daniel's Story: (Names have been changed)

Daniel and his wife, Sandy, were renting a home with their son when Sandy lost her job. Daniel has a disability and cannot work, and their son also has a disability. Without Sandy's paycheck, they could not keep up with paying all of their bills, including the rent for their apartment.

Daniel and Sandy were referred to ARC by the United Way 211 Info-line. They were staying at a hotel and trying to find an apartment they could afford. Because they were paying for a hotel, they had no way to save up for a security deposit. They also had trouble because of their poor credit.

Daniel and Sandy met with ARC's Homeless & Housing Advocate to seek assistance. They enrolled in ARC's family case management program, and the Homeless/Housing Advocate worked with them to find an apartment which would suit their needs. The family was also able to receive a grant to cover their security deposit.

The Homeless & Housing Advocate worked with the family to find a landlord who would be willing to waive the credit report check, on the condition the family would continue to receive budget guidance to ensure that they were able to maintain their new apartment.

A few days after the family moved ARC provided the family with an "ARC Angel" Welcome Basket, filled with cleaning and personal care items. They continue to receive budget guidance and support to be successful in their new home.

The Freemans' Story: (Names have been changed)

The Freemans live in Danbury with their two sons. Mr. Freeman has been out of work for almost three years, and his wife had been unemployed for the last two years. Their unemployment benefits ended in January 2011, and they had no income.

The Freemans were referred to the Dream Homes Community Center by the United Way 211 Info-line. Mr. Freeman explained his situation to the DHCC Homeless/Housing Advocate. Mrs. Freeman had just signed an employment contract, and would be earning enough income to retain their apartment, however, their landlord was not agreeable and asked them to leave by the end of March.

Mr. Freeman's appointment was 5 days before the move out date. Because they had to be out of their housing in less than one week and lacked resources to obtain new housing, they were eligible for homeless assistance programs, including Housing First for Families, a case management to help them secure and retain housing by providing advocacy to landlords, budget guidance, and follow up services. Mr. Freeman completed an application for financial assistance with moving and to enroll in Housing First for Families.

The Homeless/Housing Advocate was able to expedite the Freeman's application and have it approved within 24 hours by the HPRP screening committee. She also worked with Mr. Freeman to find an affordable rental from a landlord DHCC partnered with regularly. The landlord agreed to rent the unit to the Freeman's, despite the current eviction, contingent on the family's continued participation in Housing First for Families.

The Freemans were approved for the full amount of the security deposit ($1,075) and a portion of the first month's rent ($425), and were able to move on March 31. They continue to receive follow up services through Dream Homes Community Center to retain their new apartment.

Sheryl's Story: (Names have been changed)

Sheryl was renting an apartment with her two children. Last year she lost her job and began collecting unemployment. Her monthly benefits totaled less than her rent, and she quickly fell behind. In March 2011 she and her family were evicted from their home and moved into a hotel. At that time, she was referred to Dream Homes Community Center, at ARC, by the United Way 211 Community Info-line.

Sheryl met with Dream Homes' Homeless & Housing Advocate to review her options for securing more permanent housing. The Homeless & Housing Advocate did a budget and housing assessment to determine what amount of rent Sheryl could afford with her unemployment. Sheryl was given referrals to apartments that fell within her budget, however, do to her credit and multiple evictions, she was turned down time and again.

Sheryl continued to work with the Homeless & Housing Advocate to pursue any opportunity for housing. In June, Sheryl's daughter was able to secure a part-time job, increasing their monthly income. With the added income, Sheryl and the Homeless & Housing Advocate were able to work with a landlord who agreed to overlook her credit and rent the family a modest two bedroom apartment.

Having spent so long in a hotel, Sheryl had no excess income for a security deposit. She applied for help with her deposit through Dream Homes' Homelessness Prevention and Re-Housing Program (HPRP) and was approved within 48 hours of her application. The landlord allowed Sheryl to move in with an award letter from Dream Homes, enabling the family to have a home again after months of instability.