For Karema, life changed in an instant. She and her one-year-old daughter, Aleema, had been living with Aleema’s father when tensions in their relationship escalated. Realizing their living situation was no longer healthy or stable, Karema made the difficult decision to leave. With nowhere else to go, she and Aleema entered an emergency shelter, where they stayed for a couple of weeks.
In search of something more permanent, Karema connected with Community of Hope, where she found not just housing assistance, but also the support and resources to rebuild her future.
In December 2024 just two days before Christmas, Karema and Aleema moved into The Aya, Community of Hope’s newly added short-term family shelter. It was a relief to have a safe place to stay, especially during the holidays!
Though the transition was challenging, Karema remained hopeful. With Aleema’s first birthday approaching, she focused on giving her daughter moments of joy despite their circumstances. They celebrated with a small gathering at Golden Corral, marking a milestone not just for Aleema, but for Karema as well—she was navigating single motherhood and rebuilding her life at the same time.
Once connected with Community of Hope, Karema was paired with Christina, her housing case manager who was by her side every step of the way. Christina ensured that Karema stayed on track with all necessary paperwork, referrals, and the next steps toward permanent housing.
Beyond housing, Community of Hope also connected Karema to career training opportunities. While her priority had been staying home with Aleema during her first year, Karema knows that long-term stability requires employment. Our team connected her to a broadband telecommunications training program, where she is learning how to construct wiring for internet and cable services. She is working toward multiple certifications and has already been introduced to job readiness coaches who are helping her prepare for employment! “Community of Hope helped me take that next step,” Karema said. “Their support made me see things more clearly and gave me the push I needed.”
Securing permanent housing has been Karema’s biggest goal. At one point, she faced a setback when an apartment application was denied. But Community of Hope never let her give up. Her case manager continuously followed up, advocating for her and helping her apply for a new unit in a better location.
Now, Karema is on track to move into her own apartment soon! “My case manager kept pushing forward. They weren’t trying to keep me in the shelter longer than I needed to be, and that made all the difference,” she shared. For the first time in a long time, she feels so hopeful about the future.
Through it all, Karema has found moments of joy—especially at Fam-Club, a program at our short-term housing sites offering fun, engaging activities for families!
“I love Fam-Club,” she says. “The staff are great, and they always interact with the kids. No one is ever left out.”
For Karema and Aleema, Fam-Club has provided a sense of normalcy. It has given them a space to bond, meet other families, and build happy memories together.
Beyond housing, Karema has been on a personal journey of self-growth. While she once saw herself only as a mother, she now recognizes her own ambitions and identity beyond parenthood.
“Community of Hope gave me advice that helped me put my daughter in daycare, enroll in school, and start achieving my goals. I feel very hopeful for the future,” When asked what hope means to her, Karema doesn’t hesitate:
“Hope means that tomorrow will be better!”
She dreams of being a successful mom and woman, always keeping her head held high, no matter what challenges come her way.
