In the fall of 2020 Angelica and her family were referred to Partners in Housing Solutions (PHS) for housing assistance. Angelica worked in agriculture for over 13 years and did freelance work on the side to support her five young children. Angelica became pregnant and experienced health issues; that only allowed her to work part-time. Unable to keep up with rent, she and her family became homeless. They moved into a local shelter in the spring of 2020 during the height of the pandemic, soon after, Angelica was infected with COVID-19 which prompted her to go into early labor. Once recovered, Angelica and her children returned to the shelter but were unable to stay long-term and became unsheltered.

PHS stood by Angelica and connected them to temporary hotel assistance while permanent housing was secured. During this process, Angelica and her children were grateful but struggled to stay positive. Her teenage daughter gracefully helped care for her younger siblings but longed for stability. Schools were on lock down so the children all shared a space during online learning and found it difficult to focus. They were visibly frustrated and tired.

In the spring of 2021, they were elated when they got accepted into a low-income housing unit. Their PHS worker helped connect them with move in assistance, furnishings, and basic needs.

After move-in, Angelica and her children were in disbelief. The children’s demeanor completely changed; they were excited and full of life.

Angelica keeps in touch and shared they are still happily housed. She is grateful to PHS, for sticking by their side through some of the toughest times.

Two years after becoming housed, Angelica and her family are thriving. She is back to work and her children are excelling in school. They have adjusted to a stable and normal life. Her teenage daughter will soon graduate high school and wants to pursue a career in social work to help others in need.