The same day Chanice found out she was pregnant with twins; she lost her home of 10 years. Amid the joyful news of the pregnancy, things fell apart around her.
“I literally lost everything all at one time. I lost my job, I lost my vehicle, I lost my home,” says Chanice.
She and her three children were forcibly evicted from their home by a landlord who wanted to increase the rent. As a single mom, losing her income and her home led her to experience something she never imagined for her family — homelessness.
Chanice tried to move in with the father of the twins, but abandoned that option due to safety. With nowhere to turn, Chanice learned about Community of Hope. Within one day, she and her family moved into The Triumph—our short-term family housing site. The Triumph staff welcomed Chanice and her children with open arms.
Thousands of families experience similar challenges—evictions, effects of trauma and loss, pregnancies without many resources, chronic diseases, job loss, and unsafe housing. Every year more than 1,200 families with housing insecurity seek out Community of Hope.
As Community of Hope wrapped Chanice’s family in care, she was connected to our prenatal care coordination services to ensure a healthy pregnancy. The family—mother and children—all received and benefitted from emotional wellness therapy. Chanice recalled:
“It was helpful… I needed to have an outlet. I needed someone to talk to.”
Chanice found community. She enjoyed getting to know other parents going through similar circumstances. She built such close relationships with her case manager and the Community of Hope team that today, she goes back to visit The Triumph!
When describing her entire experience at The Triumph, Chanice said:
“Being at the shelter gave me hope. It made me feel more independent. It made me get on my feet more. Everybody treated you with respect.”
Community of Hope’s comprehensive approach – wrapping families in stable housing, compassionate healthcare, and crisis interventions while focusing on their strengths and goals – creates independence and builds hope for those experiencing difficult circumstances.
Chanice gave birth to two healthy baby girls in August. A few weeks ago, Chanice received the keys to her new home and celebrated the holidays with her children in their own home!
Stories like Chanice’s happen every day at Community of Hope—because of the generous community who supports our work. Thank you. And if you haven’t given yet this year, give today.
