How housing brought back holiday traditions for one family

Shaunte had to make a choice for her family – stay in an unsafe situation exposed to domestic violence or leave and become homeless. To protect her children’s wellbeing, she and Abigail, age 7, and Noah, age 4, left their home in 2020 to move in with a friend. The family felt safe with the friend, but the apartment was noisy and overcrowded. Shaunte knew her children didn’t have the space and attention they needed to thrive, but her efforts to find better housing, with her limited income, were unsuccessful.

Months later, Shaunte was contacted by Abigail’s school. She was having trouble in school and was expressing discomfort with her housing situation. The school was concerned. Boston Public Schools social services staff put Shaunte in contact with FamilyAid, where she was quickly provided with a skilled, knowledgeable, and compassionate case manager and housing specialist to help the family find permanent housing.

Last March, Shaunte, Abigail and Noah visited their new apartment for the first time. With wide eyes, the children ran through the halls, giggling with excitement about finally having rooms of their own to play, practice, sleep, and study.

“I noticed a difference in Abigail’s behavior since moving into the new apartment,” says Shaunte. “The kids in her class were aware of her situation. She is a lot happier now, less stressed, and has lots of friends at her new school”.

FamilyAid’s children’s services staff helped with the process of securing a housing voucher, and connecting Shaunte to legal advice, educational and career supports, and brand-new appliances for their home.

During the holidays, Shaunte and her children expressed their gratitude in a handwritten-note to FamilyAid and its donors. Unlike last year, they now have a cozy apartment filled with joy, and relax each night by their Christmas tree, excited to reunite with a sense of normalcy and the traditions they had been missing.

As 2021 ends, Abigail is thriving in school, Noah is in daycare, and Shaunte is studying to become a medical assistant. The family is grateful for their home and looking forward to all that 2022 holds for them. FamilyAid’s partnership with Boston Public Schools – with critical private support – has successfully housed more than 1,600 children and parents since the start of the pandemic. The organizations are now working to support even more families as the economic fallout from COVID-19 continues.