Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women and children. Samika, mother of 5, had experienced multiple domestic violence incidents in her life – but realizing that the cycle may extend to her children was the last straw. In fear for her children’s well-being, she left her home, and with nowhere else to go she sought help through the Virginia Williams Resource Center, which is the central point of intake for families experiencing or at risk for experiencing homelessness. Samika was connected to Community of Hope’s Homeless Prevention Program.
The Homelessness Prevention Program works to stabilize families at risk of becoming homeless through mediation, financial assistance, housing search and other supports. Clients are usually living temporarily with a friend or relative but are trying to not overstay their welcome and are faced with becoming completely homeless – the exact situation Samika was in.“I was staying with my best friend, but she had a one-bedroom apartment and I have five children,” says Samika. “We stayed there a good amount of time, and Community of Hope helped me to extend our stay.”
While housed with her friend, Samika was able to start focusing on her own mental health and healing from the instability and violence she and her family had experienced. She and her case manager began working towards setting realistic goals with resources, timelines, and pathways to reach them. She began counseling through Community of Hope’s Emotional Wellness program and attended credit counseling to help her build up her credit as a part of working towards housing stability and getting on her feet.
Unfortunately, Samika’s friend eventually could no longer house her large family—but Samika wasn’t deterred from her goals. She saved up enough money for a temporary stay in a hotel. With the support of collaborative care across Community of Hope’s housing team, Samika was connected to a private landlord who was forgiving of her challenged rental history. Samika was approved for an apartment that was a great fit for her family, and in addition, also received resources for furniture and food that allowed her to make a smooth transition to a new home for her children.
Samika has gained employment at Andrews Air Force base. She has successfully juggled attending to a significant health issue for her 6-year-old daughter and recently completed her own counseling. When asked how Community of Hope helped her, she shared, “First, they held me accountable. They also gave me that support in what I needed to do next, and really helped make that path easier. I wouldn’t have known who to contact; even with the support of my kids, I wouldn’t have known. I am hopeful about the future.”
According to researcher and bestselling author, Brene Brown, we experience hope when we have the ability to set realistic goals, the ability to figure out how to achieve them, and we have the agency and the belief that we can accomplish them. If you are interested in supporting programs that are providing tangible hope to families like Samika’s, please visit www.communityofhopedc.org/donate.
