Stories of New Hope
Ending Family Homelessness
Christina’s Story of Hope
Christina and her 15 month old son entered into Doorways Domestic Violence Program when they found themselves in the midst of living in a home with violence. After several months, their safety had stabilized and the family moved to Doorways Freddie Mac Foundation Family Home.
Although, it took a little time for Christina to warm up to the Family Home after her crisis, she soon started to partner with staff and her motivation grew towards finding employment and creating a stable environment for her son. After several weeks of job searching, Christina earned a position as a receptionist working 30 hours a week.
As Christina grew more confident in her abilities, Doorways staff watched her blossom into a nurturing, proud and present mother. Staff were amazed at her ability to consistently keep to her schedule of getting up at 4:15am each morning to leave the home by 4:45am. She would then take a cab to her son’s daycare as public transportation was not yet operating. Once leaving her son at daycare she would take two buses to arrive to her job where she would greet residents and guests with her radiant smile. Christina would get off work, pick up her son, come home and still would find time to cook a meal, participate in her meetings with Doorways counselors and most importantly, continue to be a loving mother. Christina was also very successful at saving and participating in Doorways FIT program and while at the Family Home she was able to settle several debts and saved over $1500.
In June, Christina was approved for Permanent Supportive Housing, a program through Arlington County Behavior healthcare. After five months of many roadblocks, Christina was approved for a two-bedroom apartment. Her perseverance and sense of humor during this time was yet again, another testament to staff as to why she has been successful.
Christina is a true inspiration to staff and other clients. Although staff will miss her and her son coming in to brighten our days, she has already called to let us know that she is doing well and loving life.
Out of respect for the privacy, safety and confidentiality of our clients, fictitious names and nuances have been used.
