A Safe Place to Start Again: From Shelter to Stability in Just Six Weeks

When Mateo was just two and a half years old, he and his mom, Lucía (28), arrived at FamilyAid’s Family Navigation Center after leaving a state shelter. Lucía had already endured more than many experience in a lifetime—including abuse by the very person who was supposed to protect her. Years of instability and trauma had shaped her current situation, but they had not broken her determination to build a safe, stable future for her family.

At her previous shelter, Lucía spent four months feeling unseen and unheard. She didn’t receive the case management or information she needed and left feeling confused, discouraged and distrustful of shelter systems. When she arrived at FamilyAid, she was understandably guarded—but from the beginning, staff met her with consistency, honesty and respect, and trust grew quickly.

Lucía was open with her team about her experiences, her fears and her goals. She shared that she had struggled in school, had difficulty reading and had never been properly supported for her learning disability. Instead of letting that stop her, she asked for help—and our staff responded.

Thanks to FamilyAid’s many volunteers and contributors, Lucía and Mateo immediately received food, clothing, diapers, winter coats and boots, household goods and offers for furniture assistance to ensure Lucía could focus on her housing and job search. Lucía also attended parenting and wellness groups, learning how to prioritize her own well-being alongside her son’s needs.

Her housing specialist, Jonathon, helped her apply for an apartment, and she was accepted within one week. Case manager Anne and Boston College intern Lucey supported her through every step of the process, from understanding her lease, to preparing a budget and planning for her eventual move to housing.

While working toward housing, Lucía also focused on her future. With support from Career and Education Navigator Emily, she created her first resume and decided to pursue work as a home health aide, inspired by a desire to care for older people in the community. She completed her training with staff helping her navigate reading-heavy coursework and applications, job leads and obtaining ongoing resources to support her job search.

With help from our Health and Wellbeing Navigator, Krysta, Mateo was screened for early intervention services and began twice-weekly sessions with specialists. Staff also connected Lucía to healthcare, helped her obtain health insurance, childcare and mental health services—ensuring her family’s stability extended well beyond their move to permanent housing.

In just two months, a full team of FamilyAid staff and interns worked together to help Lucía and Mateo find a permanent home and a new, stable life.

When it came time to move from the Navigation Center, Lucía was nervous but prepared. Lucey and Anne provided a detailed resource packet for her new town, connected her to local partners and coordinated transportation, stabilization supports and assurance that they would continue to support her and Mateo as they got back up on their feet.

By move-out day, Lucía’s apprehension had turned into excitement. Before leaving, Lucía shared that her time at FamilyAid was the first time she had ever felt truly safe and supported. Despite everything she had endured, her confidence was high and her resilience and motivation unwavering.

Today, Lucía and Mateo are doing well in their new home, with FamilyAid staff continuing to support her as she builds a growing network of support in her new community. Lucía has expressed interest in returning to the Navigation Center to speak with other mothers—hoping her story might help someone else believe that stability is possible.

Lucía’s remarkable journey reminds us of what’s possible when families are met with trust, teamwork, and the right resources at the right moment.