Melissa had a full-time job at the hospital until things got hectic during the pandemic and her hours were cut. Although she was still employed, her take-home salary was not enough to help pay all her bills and take care of her three boys. “I tried to search for a part-time job to substitute for the lack of money, but no one was hiring,” said Melissa. She quickly fell behind on rent and was evicted. One day Melissa arrived home and all her belongings were outside of her apartment. She didn’t have much money, but she managed to pay for a moving truck. Tragically, it was also her son’s birthday. He spent his special day helping her pack their things into the moving truck. “I was able to pay for an extended stay hotel for about 2-3 weeks and it was horrible. I was able to see how people could be fine one day and the next have their life stripped away,” said Melissa. With her life quickly shifting, she kept focusing on her three boys to keep her strong. “I understand how people get stuck in extended stay hotels. You can’t save enough money to get out, – it’s like a trap especially with Cobb being so expensive,” said Melissa. Days before Thanksgiving, Melissa reached out to Family Promise. Family Promise provided shelter for Melissa and her boys just in time for the holiday and they were in the program for 90 days. Melissa was still working at the hospital and eventually found a part-time position as well. She was referred to the CFR, assigned to a case manager, and enrolled in our Rapid Re-Housing program. Her case manager, Alysha, was able to find Melissa an apartment and the program paid her deposit and utilities. “Alysha is such an amazing caseworker and has been very helpful in my transition,” said Melissa. Melissa’s full-time status was eventually reinstated at the hospital, and she continues to work at her part-time job as well. She’s focused on supporting her family and is so thankful for the opportunities and assistance that the CFR has provided her.
* Name changed to protect privacy.