Loretta* came to UMOM’s Domestic Violence Shelter after enduring years of abuse from the father of her three sons. She came to UMOM in April looking for a safe place for herself and her three boys. From the start she was committed to keeping her job and keeping her boys in school. Every morning she woke up at 3am and was out the door by 5am to take her boys to school by bus and to get to her own job on time. She and the boys rarely returned before 7pm each night.
Since Loretta was already working she was a great candidate for UMOM’s Rapid ReHousing program. UMOM’s Domestic Violence Shelter now has a full-time Housing Specialist to help victims and their families identify affordable and safe housing in the community. The Rapid ReHousing program is perfect for mothers like Loretta since it provides a graduated rent subsidy and case management for up to 18 months.
Loretta moved out of shelter a few weeks ago into a two bedroom apartment. She and her boys were so happy to have a place of their own, but since Loretta left all her possessions when she escaped her abuser she had no furniture, no linens, no basic household necessities. She had a plastic table, one rolling office chair, and two inflatable beds. That’s it.
Loretta promised her boys it would get better.
Thankfully UMOM forged a partnership with a new non-profit in Arizona called Furnishing Hope Arizona a few months ago. Furnishing Hope provides people transitioning out of homelessness with the furniture, linens, and other household items they need. Loretta was able to go to their storage facilities in Tempe and pick out furniture, mattresses, linens, dishes, and other items. She was so grateful to the Furnishing Hope employees and volunteers who helped to load everything and delivered and unloaded it too.
Now she and her boys have a space they can truly call home and a bright future to look forward to.
*Loretta’s name has been changed to protect her identity.
About the Author
Michelle Davidson, Public Relations Manager mdavidson@umom.org Michelle joined UMOM in March, 2011 after years of running her own public relations and marketing firm. Michelle handles all external communications for UMOM, including website, social media, newsletters and collateral. All press inquiries and requests should also go through Michelle.