Homelessness to Housing with CHGM
The Stevens, a family of five, entered CHGM’s CBSP in the winter of 2010. Prior to coming to the program, all five individuals were renting one bedroom out of a friends house. With the many physical challenges the family suffers; one child wheel chair bound, and another child with autism, there was just no space to accommodate their needs. So much so that Ms. Stevens had to put her son into a facility that could better meet his needs as she was longer able to care for him under the current conditions. Because of the stresses that came with this decision and many others, Ms. Stevens suffered a mild heart attack.
After recovering for a little over a month, Ms. Stevens was determined to “get her life and her family back.” She went to the Virginia Williams Resource Center in hopes of someone finding placement for them. After waiting months, a call was received informing her that a handicap accessible unit was located and the family should prepare to move immediately.
Once arriving and moving into the handicap unit, Ms. Stevens was overwhelmed with joy and felt like “God had answered her prayers.” Although Ms. Stevens understood that the unit was only a shelter, she was relieved that her family could now begin to “breathe.” The unit provided the space needed to accommodate all needs and now everyone even had their own bedroom.
After months of case management and individual counseling Ms. Stevens began to make progress and her children began to show signs of improvement. In the summer of 2011 Ms. Stevens was informed that she and her family would be moving into a fully renovated handicap accessible apartment. Ms. Stevens expressed excitement, and gratitude. Although she had been grateful for the shelter, she was happy to be moving into the apartment.
Finally, while still under the care of CHGM, Ms. Stevens received notice from DC Housing that her name came up to receive a housing voucher. After months of searching, Ms. Stevens moved for the last time into a permanent, fully renovated 4 bedroom handicap accessible unit in January of 2013.
Ms. Stevens credits her progress to CHGM. In her own words, “CHGM has saved my life and I will always be grateful. Thank you for making me feel like I am a part of society again.” Although Ms Stevens’ family has many physical challenges, she is determined that she will take full advantage and use wisely her ” second chance.”
