Strength and Support: A Family’s New Beginning
When Elena lost her job, everything unraveled quickly. Without an income, she could no longer pay rent on the home she shared with her 12-year-old daughter Sofia, 5-year-old daughter Maya and her 70-year-old mother. Although she held a housing voucher, confusion around the legal process and language barriers made it difficult to understand her rights—and ultimately, the family left their home too soon. For six heartbreaking months, they slept in their car outside the home they had lost.
The Boston Police Department found Elena and her family and immediately referred them to FamilyAid. Within hours, our staff secured safe hotel accommodations and began tackling the many hurdles in Elena’s path. She had been trying for months to transfer her housing voucher from Massachusetts to North Carolina, where her brother lived, but couldn’t navigate the complex system on her own. FamilyAid case managers partnered with the Boston Housing Authority to expedite that transfer, giving Elena renewed hope.
FamilyAid quickly helped Elena navigate transportation challenges—clearing administrative barriers like parking fees, reactivating her car insurance, updating her vehicle registration and securing storage for her family’s belongings. While Elena and her case manager reviewed next steps, staff members sat with little Maya—playing games and offering comfort—so Elena could focus fully on rebuilding her family’s future. With every obstacle cleared and gift cards for food and gas in hand, Elena and her family were finally ready to begin their journey south.
Within two weeks of coming to FamilyAid, Elena, Sofia, Maya, and their grandmother arrived safely in North Carolina. Within just a few days of settling in, Elena reached out to her FamilyAid case manager with incredible news: she had secured a new job and permanent housing. Thanks to her determination and the timely support she received, Elena and her family could finally begin their next chapter with stability and hope. Elena expressed deep gratitude for FamilyAid’s swift action, compassion and encouragement during one of the most difficult times in her life.
