Success Stories

Val's Story

Homelessness can strike with almost no warning
A graduate of Hamilton West High School, Val has worked full time at "Little People Keepers," a pre-school in Ewing for the past four years. She had her own apartment in Trenton and managed to live, with Bashawn and Derrick – her two young sons, on $12,000 a year.

All that changed a year and a half ago. "My sister, who had three young children, was admitted to a hospital with severe depression. Of course I didn't hesitate to take in my two nieces and nephew. It was a bit squished in my small apartment, but we managed."

Unfortunately, things then took a turn for the worse. Val's apartment building, which was affordable, low- income housing, was sold and Val and the five children were evicted.

"It happens that quickly," says HomeFront Case Manager Tijuana Richardson. "You can be doing everything right: working, paying the bills, taking care of family — then BAM! Something happens out of your control and you are homeless. Val was lucky to have found low-income housing in Trenton four years ago. As for today – there is hardly any out there."

Val and her family were perfect candidates for HomeFront's TLC – Transitional Living Commitment. This program, funded by HUD and the City of Trenton, provides safe, secure housing at minimum rent, based on the client's income.

During their stay in one of HomeFront's TLC apartments, clients are required to attend group and individual counseling sessions aimed at instilling skills to maintain self-sufficiency. Val attends weekly Tuesday night sessions, and her school-age niece and nephew are in HomeFront's Wednesday night tutoring program.

With her HomeFront's TLC program about to end, Val's future is bright. Over two years ago, she began doing community service with Habitat for Humanity. Somehow, with five children and a full time job, Val managed to complete 450 hours of community service for Habitat. She has 50 hours left to complete and then will be moving into a Habitat home of her own.

"It's very satisfying when different agencies in the community come together to help a family achieve home ownership," said Richardson. "Fortunately we were there to help Val and her kids through this difficult transition. Even when she moves into her own home, she will always be able to turn to us for advice and help through the challenging times.

For more information, call 609-989-9417 or send an email to: .