No Child Should Call an ER Home
Seven-year-old Jordan and his mom Ruby were forced to seek shelter in an emergency room late last year when their apartment building’s new owners doubled the rent. Despite many efforts to find affordable housing, Ruby could not pay the brokerage fees, first, last month’s rent, and security deposits needed in Boston’s tight rental apartment market.
The family bounced around, couch-surfing at several friends’ homes over the ensuing months. They eventually asked the family to leave as Jordan’s behavior deteriorated under the stress of their instability.
Ruby turned to the state’s shelter system, but her meager savings of $7,000 made them ineligible.
Ruby and Jordan sought refuge in a hospital emergency room with no other place to go. A hospital social worker approached Jordan and his mom and quickly connected them to FamilyAid’s Hospital Crisis Shelter Program through its 24/7 referral system.
Dedicated FamilyAid case managers immediately brought Jordan and Ruby to a temporary shelter and laid out plans to quickly move them from a housing crisis to a home.
“Overnight, I felt like I had my child back,” says Ruby. “All it took was his own bed, a kitchen for me to cook, and a desk to do homework. And once we moved from the crisis shelter to an apartment of our own – he was the happiest I’ve ever seen him!”
Once her FamilyAid team helped Ruby find an affordable apartment, they provided financial assistance, coaching, case services, and support for Jordan’s behavioral issues.
Today, Jordan is thriving. Ruby happily reports that Jordan’s teachers have seen a significant positive change in him, and he is excelling in both math and science. FamilyAid staff are now working to ensure Jordan has summer support to help him retain his recent academic and social gains.
With more than ten children and parents seeking shelter in emergency rooms each day, FamilyAid’s hospital crisis program successfully moves families to a safe and better future.
If you’re interested in helping more children like Jordan find stability in times of crisis, please join our Hospital Crisis Shelter Campaign.
