Happy to be home for the holidays and beyond!
In our Homelessness Prevention Program, families who are on the brink of homelessness get help keeping their housing and never have to experience homelessness at all. PHFS pays back rent and utilities for families during times of emergency like an unexpected illness and medical bills, a car that breaks down, or suddenly losing hours at work.
Shelly received support from our Homelessness Prevention Program last week and wanted to share her story.
My name is Shelly, I am a single working mother of four boys. I have been a single mom pretty much all my life. I graduated college in 2000 and started working in the medical field where I remained for the last 17 years. Recently I made a career change and I am working at a law firm in downtown Portland. I am very lucky to have a decent job and great boys to raise and love.
I have always been a really active person in my community and a sports mom. I have always found a way to make ends meet for the boys and I with very little assistance. But last year my life changed without warning! I was diagnosed with a very rare genetic heart disease that cost me over $7,500.00 in medical expenses and many days off work. Over the holidays, I had a significant medical procedure and had to take time off without pay because I had already used all my vacation and sick time with previous procedures. This resulted in shut off notices for all my utilities, and I owed $400 in co-pays from previous hospital visits. My stable little life as I knew it was falling apart before my eyes and I felt so drowned.
I received an eviction notice in December and I was able to get an advance, which ultimately resulted in a shortage for January’s rent. My life was spiraling out of control fast and I felt hopeless. I reached out to seek services, but kept hearing they could only help me once I became homeless. The last thing I needed was to be sick and homeless with four beautiful children.
I googled “Homeless Prevention” and that’s when I saw some light at the end of the storm. I found Portland Homeless Family Solutions and spoke to someone immediately. The woman from PHFS was so kind and patient. She listened to my story, she was very honest and upfront, and connected me with Samuel [PHFS’ Housing & Prevention Specialist]. When Samuel called, it was like a prayer had been answered. He listened to me very patiently and told me about the program and the vision - how their goal is to keep people housed when they’re in a temporary bind like mine.
I had no idea how long this would take or if we would be homeless soon - it’s so cold outside. I have been a ball of nerves for weeks thinking about this. What happened next was like a miracle. Samuel emailed me, told me that my application was approved, and that they would be saving our home this month. In addition, he had already given a promissory note to the management and was in process of cutting a check. I could not believe this happened, I am so grateful and thankful!
These people are truly saving lives one home at a time!
Sincerely,
Shelly & Boys
