From Shelter to Stability
A Web of Services Embraces a Special Family
Mr. G had recently been laid off from his full-time job in North Carolina and had been evicted from his rented home. His unemployment benefits were about to expire, and due to multiple medical conditions, he was not able to work immediately. He had applied for disability but had been denied. He lacked medical insurance, so could not afford the medication he needed to get better.
Mr. G was running out of options…and he had a lot of things working against him. He was a single male with five minor children, 3 boys and 2 girls – a family combination that, remarkably, is ineligible for most emergency shelters. He lacked the 6 month RRHA Richmond residency requirement that would enable him to qualify for public housing.
But there was room for him and his children at CARITAS.
Our case workers got started immediately in coordinating with other agencies in getting Mr. G the help he and his family so desperately needed. The entire family received medical exams and medication through MCV. The Daily Planet helped him set up an escrow account and mailing address. His children were re-enrolled in their previous schools and provided with family counseling.
At the Richmond Career Development Center and the Urban League, Mr. G began pre-employment job training and his job search. After a few months, he landed a full-time job with medical benefits.
And finally, Mr. G worked with a RBHA housing representative and located a Section 8 house for rent. Soon after, his family moved into its new home. They would be home for Christmas! Mr. G paid 100% of his rent and deposit with funds he had saved in his escrow account. Appliances and furniture were donated through the shelter’ partnership, Furniture Share.
Mr. G and his children have returned to our shelter twice to visit since leaving, and have expressed a desire to help others find the same hope and direction as he. Case workers are following his family’s progress for the next 2 years, and report that everyone is doing very well.