An Open Door When Everything Else Was Closed
Just before Valentine’s Day, a young mother, Sarah, arrived at our doors with her six-year-old son, Eric, fleeing domestic violence with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
It was late Friday afternoon. Sarah had spent the day trying to find safety. She had gone to the local DTA office, hoping to obtain shelter, only to find it closed for the weekend. The state’s domestic violence shelters were also full. Sarah had nowhere else to turn. Fortunately, someone leaving the building told her about FamilyAid.
Crises don’t happen from nine to five. And when systems fail or close their doors, FamilyAid steps in.
On average, FamilyAid receives four calls per day from families who cannot access shelter. Many are denied because they technically “have a place to stay” — doubled up in overcrowded apartments, sleeping on couches or paying for hotel rooms they cannot afford to continue. Others face long, delayed processes that leave them waiting in unsafe conditions.
Sarah and Eric had no safe place to wait.
When they arrived at our office at nearly 4 p.m., they hadn’t eaten all day. Operations staff immediately provided food and toys to help Eric feel comfortable while a social worker sat down with Sarah to assess their options. Eric quickly gravitated toward a lion toy—his favorite animal—and began chatting animatedly about trains and buses. Bright, expressive and independent, he insisted on pressing the elevator buttons and opening doors himself. In the middle of uncertainty, he was still just a child—curious, talkative and eager to play.
Because they were unable to immediately enter state-funded shelter, FamilyAid placed them at the Annex, our privately funded shelter, where they could remain safe while awaiting a place in the state’s safety net system for domestic violence victims.
At the Annex, they were paired with Sherri, a case manager with more than 20 years of experience keeping families safe, particularly those navigating domestic violence situations. Her expertise and steady presence helped ensure both immediate safety and a thoughtful path forward.
Two weeks later, Sarah and Eric are still on a waiting list for state shelter, but FamilyAid staff are ensuring that they are getting comprehensive supports to help them move forward, including:
• Transportation to critical appointments
• Seasonal clothing and essential household items
• Grocery and food support
• Volunteer-led play opportunities for Eric
• Workforce development support for Sarah
• Assistance in obtaining appropriate clothing for employment
• Advocacy and coordination with a legal support organization, the local housing authority and domestic violence support partner the Second Step.
What began as a Friday afternoon crisis has become a story of hope, safety and forward momentum. This is what it means to meet families in real time—not when it’s convenient, but when it’s necessary.
And for Sarah and Eric, it meant that in the dead cold of winter, a door to a better life was opened.
