Our House:  Caring for Callaway's Homeless Success Story

CARD-V referred a woman in her mid 20’s with two small children, from out of Callaway County, as prospective guests at HAVEN House.  She was interviewed and a background check was done.  She had a HS diploma, but hadn’t worked since high school.  The day after she moved in, she and her children explored the town and she submitted 15 job applications.  She also visited several child care providers and Family Services for child care assistance.  All this was done without transportation, she and the children walked.  Within a week she had two interviews.  She took the first job offered because it started right away.  She worked with another HAVEN House guest to swap child care until she had a couple checks to secure more qualified care.  She was never late or absent from work and after two months she was offered a substantial promotion.  I referred her to SERVE for their prevention of homelessness program and they helped her secure an apartment and paid the deposits.  A Wiley House guest who was an experienced auto mechanic, helped her find a reasonably price older car in good condition.  She has happily settled into her new life.  Legal aid has helped her with her divorce.  Her apartment allows her children to have their own bedroom and she has a secure job, very good childcare and a will be attending community college in the fall of 2011.  She had a plan, worked the plan and utilized all the community resources available to her and now she is able to give back as a volunteer at HAVEN House.  Her story gives hope, but it doesn’t minimize her commitment and the hard work necessary for success.