Why Shelter Was One Mother’s ‘Greatest Gift’

Genevieve, a single mother of three, was working hard to meet the needs of her young children. She, Travis, Tarek, and Savannah were living in cramped quarters with few extras, but Genevieve had food on the table, and their bills were paid. When Tarek was diagnosed with autism, she didn’t think much would change. She certainly didn’t foresee Tarek’s autism becoming the catalyst for their eviction.

However, noise complaints from neighbors about Tarek and infant Savannah were relentless, with neighbors banging on their walls and leaving disparaging notes under her door. The pressure to keep her children quiet was unsettling, and Genevieve felt constant stress. She reduced her work hours to handle her children’s needs, and to seek more services for them. Scared and frustrated, the children’s mental health began to decline, too. Travis’ grades slipped, Tarek was acting out, and Savannah was extra fussy.

Eventually Genevieve’s landlord forced the family out. With most of her savings now gone, a new apartment wasn’t an option. Unable to meet Boston’s high rent prices and with no extended family to turn to for help, the family became homeless. Ultimately they found shelter, and hope, with FamilyAid.

Fortunately, as the pandemic surged through the winter, FamilyAid staff secured a housing voucher for Genevieve through the agency’s partnership with the Boston Public Schools and Boston Housing Authority. The real struggle, though, became finding a landlord who would accept her voucher and accommodate Tarek’s special needs.

Through FamilyAid’s persistent support over several months, she, Travis, Tarek, and Savannah recently moved into their own apartment. There is enough space for all of them, and the landlord is considerate of Tarek’s diagnosis.

Although any move with three young children isn’t easy, FamilyAid minimized Genevieve’s stress by providing her with basic furniture and appliances, movers, food, and general household supplies, all thanks to the generosity of private donors.

“The discrimination Genevieve faced due to her son is not uncommon. We continue to advocate for those who have barriers preventing them from obtaining stable housing,” says Judith Cohen, FamilyAid Senior Housing Specialist. “With assistance from our donors, combined with the tenacity of those in our care, we are able to continue housing families like Genevieve’s”.

Genevieve is overjoyed to have her own place again. She found the courage to ask for help when her family needed it most, and they are now thriving in a long-term, safe environment. She and her children are among the 600 FamilyAid guests who have gained stable housing in the last year. “FamilyAid was the best thing that ever happened to my family,” Genevieve shared. “Without them, the opportunity to have a home again wouldn’t be possible”.