Shiquitaa Anderson is a hardworking mother of six, balancing her job as a food clerk at Safeway while raising children between the ages of 3 and 14. A Washington, D.C. native, Shiquitaa loves drawing, especially cartoon characters, and spending time with her kids. But what she cherishes most is providing them with a stable, happy home—something that once felt out of reach.
Thanks to Community of Hope, Shiquitaa and her children now have a safe and permanent place to call home. Her journey wasn’t always easy, but with the right resources and support, she found hope, stability, and a fresh start!
Before finding Community of Hope, Shiquitaa and her children were living in Southeast D.C. When her home lost heat, electricity, and hot water, the Department of Buildings deemed it unsafe to live in, forcing her to seek emergency housing.
Her case manager took action, helping her get a referral through Virginia Williams Family Resource Center. That’s when she was connected to Community of Hope’s housing program. Shiquitaa spent just two months at Triumph, where she and her children could regain stability. Becoming homelessness was an overwhelming experience. Beyond the lack of shelter, Shiquitaa faced mental and emotional struggles, and they lacked basic necessities like warm clothing and school supplies. While adjusting was not always easy, she describes her experience as “wonderful” and an essential step in her journey.
When leaving her former home, she could only bring a single bag of belongings to The Triumph. But upon arrival she found not just a place to stay but critical resources—winter clothing, school support, and a sense of security. . The Triumph wasn’t just a place to live—it was a place to rebuild. Shiquitaa and her children had warm beds, essential resources, and a supportive environment.
For her kids, the best part was Fam Club.
“They LOVED Fam-Club. Even when I was tired, they would say, ‘Mommy, get up! We have to go!’” she laughs. “If it were up to them, Fam -Club would be every day!”
After two months at The Triumph, Shiquitaa received the life-changing news she had been waiting for—a permanent home was ready for her family. On January 17th, Shiquitaa and her children moved into their new home near Georgetown, which she described it as a very nice neighborhood.
“We are so blessed,” she says. “My kids are so happy and content.”
After so much uncertainty, they finally have a place to call home.
For Shiquitaa, Community of Hope provided more than just housing—it provided a fresh start. With access to critical resources, housing assistance, and support programs, she was able to build a foundation for long-term stability.
“If it weren’t for this program, I don’t know where we would be today,” she says. “They gave me the resources and the support I needed to move forward.”
Now, she is focused on maintaining stability, raising her children, and continuing to build a better future.
Her advice for others facing similar struggles?
“Be patient. Reach out to Community of Hope! I know it’s overwhelming, but don’t give up. Take your time, pray, and trust that things will get better.”
