We recently received an amazing letter of gratitude from a former client. Messages such as this one serve as a real reminder that the work we do changes lives. They provide a window into how hard the mothers we serve work on behalf of their children, and just how much is possible when they're finally connected with the resources they need to find stability.
Home for Families -
At the lowest point in my life Home for Families was the best thing that could’ve happened to me. After my maternity leave was over I returned to work and shortly after I was let go. I was so scared and stressed out because at that time I had no car, no savings, rent was past due, and I was a single first-time mom. It was hard to have savings or [a] back-up plan because paying for daycare ended up being more than my rent each month, and taking Ubers to and from work was leaving me with honestly nothing at the end of each pay week.
I went to more than 6 places right after I was let go to try and find any kind of assistance with bills or rent—just anything to get back on my feet—and I was denied everywhere I went either because I didn’t qualify or because they had no funds left to be able to help.
I was lost and used my last bit of money to buy an old car so I could at least have a form of transportation and DoorDash for some money to try and stay afloat. That’s when I got a call from Home for Families and it was the BEST thing that could’ve ever happened to me. I went in for my intake and was told I did qualify for rental assistance, which was such a breath of fresh air, and I honestly cried in the car on my way home because before that I truly thought me and my baby were going to either be homeless or have to find family to stay with, which was barely an option for me.
Home for Families helped with so much more than just rent—they pushed me to be better, to set goals, and to not give up no matter how hard it got or how many jobs turned me down. Without the program I don’t think I would’ve ever come across the job I have now, which is the best, most convenient job ever. I get to work from home and take care of my daughter and save more by not having to pay all that money I used to pay for childcare.
Home for Families pushed me to set goals for myself and actually see them through, which is something I never did before; I just lived day to day, but setting goals and saving is something I actually do now, and it makes me happy to be setting myself up for success after receiving their help. It didn’t just stop at rental assistance. There was a point before I got my job that I lost my DoorDash account due to needing to reinstate my license, which I didn’t know how I was going to get the money for it if my form of income was shut down. They helped me pay for my reinstatement fee and get back to being able to DoorDash while still pouring my all into finding a job, which helped so much because that’s how I was able to get money to eat, buy diapers and wipes, and just have some income instead of none. Like I mentioned they helped with so much more than rent.
Home for Families helped Christmas happen for me and my baby this year. A family sponsored us, which I’m beyond grateful for, and they got my baby some clothes and toys. They got us a Christmas tree and even a gift for me, which I am beyond grateful for and thank them and Home for Families more than anyone would ever know. I truly thought I wasn’t going to be able to make it special for her, but with the help of the family and Home for Families we made it happen!
Overall Home for Families is amazing and life changing beyond the financial part of it. They actually care to help you grow as a person and change through the program for the better. With their help I have short- and long-term goals, I have some stability back, and I have the confidence to know I can do this and hopefully not go through anything like that again.
Thank you so much for helping me become a better person. Thank you for saving me and my daughter from homelessness. Thank you for helping me when no one else could, and I truly hope your program stays open and funded forever. I know you’re going to change and improve so many more lives just like you did mine, and I hope one day I can have enough money in my life to be able to help you guys just like you helped me. Words can’t even describe how grateful I am.
