Stories of those who have been helped and inspired by your United Way donation
Staff recently worked with a single woman who was without housing due to a domestic violence incident. She was facing many challenges, including being in the third trimester of a high-risk pregnancy, having mental health issues, and trying to find employment and housing. She spent five months at the New London Homeless Hospitality Center, another United Way Partner Program. Once she reached the third trimester of her pregnancy, she transferred to Covenant
Shelter of New London.
Covenant Shelter staff assisted with her employment options, and she worked remotely to obtain a customer service certificate.
Covenant Shelter helped the client obtain a project-based permanent supportive housing voucher. This will provide safe, affordable housing as well as supportive social services to improve the client’s ability to maintain housing long-term.
The family was provided with furniture, a security deposit, clothing, and equipment for her baby (in photo at right). The client gave birth to a healthy baby boy. When leaving the hospital, the family went directly to their new home.
The Jewish Federation’s Crisis Intervention program received a call from Channa, a desperate mom, who had just given birth to her third child. She was in week three of unpaid leave taking care of her children. Because she had no income, she was behind in her bills. She reached out to Jewish Federation with only one day to go before her electricity was to be shut off. The agency coordinated with the local utility company and agreed to pay the amount due keep Channa’s lights on.
Jane, who was recovering from surgery, needed help with her rent but was unable to come to the Jewish Federation's
office. The agency's Crisis Manager paid her a visit and together, they completed the requisite paperwork. Jane was able to receive the rent assistance she so desperately needed to stay in her apartment while recovering from surgery.
Ann entered Genesis House with her three young children and faced several challenges including a cognitive disability that affects her memory and processing skills. She was in an abusive marriage with a man who manipulated and controlled her.
At Genesis House, Ann had goals to keep her and her children safe and together and to find them a stable place to live. Ann worked with advocates to apply for a restraining
order from her husband. Safe Futures staff helped Ann make appointments for her family to receive dental and medical care and arranged weekly family counseling.
Ann visited Safe Futures’ Essential Donation Center, where she picked out clothing, shoes, toiletries, craft supplies, and household items for her family, free of charge.
Safe Futures rapid re-housing coordinator helped Ann find an apartment for herself and her children and the program paid for the first month’s rent and security deposit.
The permanent supportive housing program continues to provide Ann with ongoing rental assistance.
When a single father entered the Covenant Shelter of New London, his 11-month-old son was with him. The mother of his child had simply left one day, abandoning the young family and taking their few valuables with her. With no one at home to care for the child, he was unable to keep his job. As a result, the father and son were homeless.
Feeling lost and helpless when he came to the shelter, the father spent the first few days coming to grips with his situation. He was determined to get out of the shelter but knew he needed help. Temporary housing at the shelter was only the beginning.
The father was quickly linked to employment services and soon secured a job. Grant funds were used to purchase work shoes and work clothes. He was provided bus vouchers for transportation and most importantly, the shelter paid for childcare so that he could work knowing his son was safe.
Utilizing available local housing funds, the family received financial assistance helping to secure an apartment at an affordable rent. This father and son now live in a safe, stable, and affordable apartment where they are happy, thriving, and spending time together.
Last year, New London Homeless Hospitality Program (NLHHC) worked with a young woman and her boyfriend. Staff noticed that his behavior was controlling and she often was not out of his eyesight. When she was offered the youth shelter, he declined stating they would stay together even if that meant sleeping outside.
Concurrently, she reported that she was in the early stages of pregnancy and was struggling with nausea, low appetite, and feeling ill. Given growing concerns regarding her safety, as well as to ensure appropriate linkages were obtained, she remained at NLHHC. She was referred to other agencies to help with her healthcare needs.
The young woman worked with NLHHC staff to secure housing. She learned about Thames River Family Program and became more engaged. The young woman wanted to complete her education, obtain a better job, and improve her ability to take care of her family.
She delivered a healthy baby, and they are thriving. Both continue to receive the support and resources they need to maintain their health and housing and achieve self-sufficiency.
