A family's success story - Alyssa and Justin's family

Alyssa, Justin, and their two young children lived on the edge, squeaking by each month on two minimum wage jobs and food stamps.

When Alyssa lost her job, they couldn't pay the rent on their 3-bedroom apartment. Moving in with friends was a temporary option but it lasted only a few weeks before conflict broke out and the family was asked to leave. Finally, in desperation, the family called the police department, and thankfully, the attending officer knew about New Hope's On-Call Emergency Line for late-night crisis support. For this family, New Hope was, literally, the last stop "before Kirkwood."

The next day the family underwent an assessment by the New Hope caseworker and were placed temporarily in a local hotel until space opened up at New Hope. Five months into their New Hope stay, the family received their rental application approval, and Alyssa, Justin, and their two children moved into their new apartment fourteen days later.

During this entire housing recovery process, Alyssa and Justin received support in decision making and other needed life skills. Reinvigorated and motivated, Alyssa started a new job and enrolled in classes at Ivy Tech Community College. The children received tutoring support from New Hope and both children's school attendance and grades improved.

Strengthened by follow up services, the family continues to progress, maintaining their financial and housing stability, and working toward greater independence. The children have continued to be a part of New Hope's children's program.​