“Once Community of Hope’s temporary housing program was explained to me, it gave me hope and I knew I wouldn’t be alone. It was a relief to me.”
Myiesha Little, a DC resident, and stay-at-home mother of three, felt the strain of providing for her family as a sole provider after her partner experienced multiple severe health issues. As with so many District families, these health issues created a troubling rippling situation of financial and housing instability. Before being confronted with health issues, Myiesha’s partner worked full-time and served as the sole financial provider while she managed the household. However, in January 2019, her partner suffered a stroke while she was pregnant with their third child. The stroke impacted his ability to work and forced the family to quickly exhaust their savings account. The family moved in with Myiesha’s mom until they were once again faced with moving within 30 days because they weren’t legally on the lease.
Stress levels continued to rise as the couple navigated challenge after challenge. Eventually, Myiesha’s partner suffered yet, another stroke – this time causing him to become visually-impaired and paralyzed on one side of his body. All of the unforeseen circumstances led Myiesha to the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center where she was connected to Community of Hope’s temporary housing program at The Triumph. “The Triumph exceeded my expectations. The first thing you hear when you hear “shelter” is [it’s the] worst of the worst. I didn’t know who was there or what to expect but I was willing to stay no matter what for the sake of my family.” Myiesha received case management support immediately upon entering The Triumph. Together, they set goals and a plan of action for Myiesha and her family to secure stable housing. “My case manager was a loving and caring person. She understood what I was going through and knew everyone had downfalls. She made me feel like there was hope.”
Myiesha’s case manager connected her with valuable resources that provided financial support and assistance with childcare. Her case manager also helped Myiesha obtain important legal documents for herself and family members who were crucial to the housing process. What used to be a major roadblock, was now a roadway for Myiesha to start searching for stable housing for her family. “The [housing] program gave me time to focus not only on my family but myself. It gave me time to catch a break, analyze things, set goals, and clear my head.” Myiesha and her family exited The Triumph after just 58 days into their own apartment.
“If it wasn’t for Community of Hope, we would be walking up and down the street somewhere. They gave me hope, encouragement, and a sense of being. I know I can make it, and I can do it no matter how bad it is. It’s possible.”
