Diana, a 35 years old female veteran who has two children, ages 1 and 3, was referred to the Housing Crisis Center by the Salvation Army Domestic Violence Shelter. Diana was fleeing from her abusive husband of 5 years who lived in another state. Like many domestic violence victims, she had minimal family support in the area. At the time of her screening it was learned that Diana had a previous substance abuse problem and was diagnosed with depression; she had co-occuring disorders. She was an appropriate fit for our Veterans Housing Partnership Program (VHP).
With the assistance of her VHP caseworker, Diana identified specific problems that led to her homelessness and named several goals to increase and maintain her self-sufficiency. She worked with her case manager and agreed that she would have to maintain her sobriety and stable employment in order to stay in the program. In addition to the housing provided by HCC, Vogel Alcove provided childcare as well as counseling for her two small sons. Diana continued her aftercare counseling at the referring domestic violence facility. She also participated in a support group for her depression. Diana registered at a community college and began taking courses toward a nursing degree - Certified Nursing Aide Program (CNA). She completed all of her course work and maintained good grades. Upon graduation from the nursing program, Diana found full-time employment at a local hospital and began saving money towards down payment on her first home.
Diana has successfully "graduated' the Veterans Housing Partnership Program. She is still gainfully employed at a local hospital. Diana purchased her first home Fall 2008.
In March 2009, Diana stated “Housing Crisis Center saved my life when I was at my lowest.”
Home Sweet Home: Meet Billy
Billy, a 54 year old male, came to the Housing Crisis Center homeless, unemployed, and with very little hope. He was a participant of our Home Again - Long Term Transitional Program. He had been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, was experiencing depression, anxiety, isolation due to negative thoughts, and a reduced ability to function in the community due to poor coping skills. He has two children and recently divorced. He owed $12,000 in child support because he had been unemployed for a while and was unable to pay.
The beginning process of becoming self-sufficient was a rocky one for Billy. He was unable to find sufficient employment for a few months because of his age, type of previous employment, and the gaps in his work history. Billy was also battling inadequate health care which resulted in constant illnesses. He was able to find employment in his field and signed up for Parkland Plus. That job only lasted for 4 months, but he never gave up on his pursuit of becoming self-sufficient. He obtained employment at MediTech Institute as a teacher/job placement liaison, with health benefits. Once he gained self confidence and discovered that he had a thyroid problem-which contributed to his depression-he was able to become self-sufficient. He was able to save $4000 and pay child support. He remained in the program for 18 months. After exiting the program, he remains in the same apartment complex where he resided while in the program and he continues to do well.
Personal Safety: Meet Terry Ann
Terry Ann is 28 years old and a single mother to two small children. The family was referred to the Housing Crisis Center from another shelter which provides temporary housing for spouses of domestic violence. During her brief marriage, Terry Ann's husband showed a pattern of rage, anger, emotion and physical abuse, and violence, all fueled by rampant drug abuse.
Terry Ann had also recently learned that she was expecting her third child. While she hoped that the addition to their family would encourage her husband to clean up his life, her wishes never came true. The anger and violence only continued and increased.
Not only was Terry Ann putting herself in danger, she was also putting her three children in the same position.After much prayer and consultation with friends, Terry Ann made the difficult but courageous decision to leave her husband and end the cycle of violence that had plagued her for many years.
After staying at the shelter for a few weeks, Terry Ann needed more space and privacy for her children. She was referred to the STEPS Short Term Transitional Housing Program and, at intake, received her own two bedroom apartment for 3 months at no rent.At the time Terry Ann entered the transitional housing program at HCC, she was six months pregnant and without a job. Although she had training in the medical field, she had difficulty finding employment.
After meeting with her caseworker and making a service plan, Terry Ann began compiling a resume and job searching. After many arduous interviews, Terry Ann was offered a position in her field of training. The new job also allowed time off to take care of her newborn and children.While in residence with HCC, Terry Ann was able to save over $3,000. After she exited the program, Terry Ann and her family were able purchase a house and used that money as a down payment.
For the first time, Terry Ann and her three children are living in safe, affordable, and permanent housing.
