Quinette and her four young children survived a nightmare: Their house went up in flames. Fortunately, Quinette came to Community Advocates for help. The manager of our Housing Department found that Quinette was eligible for our Siemer Family Homeless Prevention Program, so she was connected to a case manager. Our case manager provided resources and referrals and within a month of engaging with Community Advocates, Quinette located a new home that would best accommodate her family. Our case manager inspected the home, found that it was safe and secure, and the Siemer program provided Quinette with funding for the security deposit.

That seemed to be the easy part. During this time, Quinette experienced many burdens and obstacles, but she never gave up. Her car’s transmission failed and she also suffered some medical issues that required two surgeries. Because she was on short-term disability and only receiving 60% of her monthly income, our program was also able to provide partial rent assistance for one month so she could maintain the new home and not fall behind in her rent.

Today, Quinette is physically healed and back to work and she is on track to graduate as a Registered Nurse at the end of 2018. She is very grateful for all of the help she received from Community Advocates and the housing staff and is very excited for her and her children’s futures. And, best of all, they love their new home!