Family Promise of Larimer County is a program for children and their families experiencing homelessness. We walk alongside families with case management and advocacy as they identify and address their barriers to stable housing and self-reliance. Jimmy and his daughter, Jayla, are recent guests that successfully participated in the Family Promise shelter program. Below is Jimmy and Jayla’s story.
Jimmy is from Loveland and is a single dad with a young daughter. This past winter he found himself in a situation he never thought they would be in - homeless and hopeless. His road to homelessness was not by choice but by difficult circumstances that led them there. Due to surgery on both of his hands, his business as a private contractor fell apart. Everything snowballed from that point, leaving him and his daughter sleeping in their car. Family Housing Network (an affiliate of Realities for Children) referred Jimmy and Jayla to Family Promise. Once we met with him, he demonstrated his desire to get back on his feet immediately; he didn’t even want to file for unemployment. Within a few days, Jimmy and Jayla joined our Family Promise shelter program and that same week Jimmy started a full time job at a local cabinet shop.
Right before he started his job, Family Promise received notice that Loveland Housing Authority had immediate openings. Our team got on the phone with the Housing Authority and was able to get an application sent over and we worked through it with Jimmy. With a referral from Family Promise, Jimmy was approved for housing within a few days. Once we secured housing, the process for rental assistance began. Due to funding from Larimer County, Family Promise was able to provide three months of rental assistance to stabilize Jimmy and Jayla and position them to move out of homelessness successfully. In just one week, Jimmy and his daughter were safely sheltered, he had a new job, and became stably housed (including three months of rental assistance.)
After finding out about his apartment and the rental assistance he would receive, Jimmy sent our team an email:
“I am pretty much blown away by your news! Three months of rent is two months more than I expected, I don't know what to say. Thank you! With this and with what my coach through the workforce center was able to help with, not only are we now in a stable home but also now have the chance to put money back in savings and make sure this never happens again! We are able to get furniture and things for the kitchen. I am blown away at the proficiency, dedication and knowledge that not just your organization has but that you yourself has put forth. It is difficult for me to believe that anyone who truly does not wish to be homeless and comes across your desk would be for long-and I think that they will be fortunate and the better for it. You’re AWESOME! Thank you!”
I Felt Like I Mattered
Carlos came to the United States when he was 20 years old as a migrant worker and today, he has minimal things to his name - a bicycle, a radio, and few personal belongings. Carlos was in an accident last year that left him with brain damage and an injured foot. He rode his bike to work every morning before 5 a.m., which was becoming difficult to do with his injured foot from the accident. He ended up losing his job because he could no longer perform the job requirements. Carlos currently lives in a garage with no consistent access to a restroom and shower. With no income, it has become difficult to pay rent and buy groceries. Through House of Neighborly Service, Carlos has received bedding and groceries. He was also set up with an appointment to receive medical attention for his foot and set him up with a specialist to receive physical therapy. If he is not able to make it to HNS, we have had someone personally drop off food to him. Each time Carlos receives help from HNS we are able to provide him with someone who speaks Spanish fluently and treats him with dignity and respect.
- Carlos’ story told by his caseworker (names have been modified to protect the client’s privacy)
Desperation to Gratefulness
Ruth is a single mom to three kids who contracted COVID-19. She had to quarantine for a minimum of two weeks and could not work, therefore, could not pay her rent. With three kids to care for, figuring out how she was going to feed them and keep a roof over their heads became a serious concern for her and she felt desperate. Ruth was able to go to House of Neighborly Service and the food bank, where she received an abundance of groceries. HNS also helped to provide her with resources and walked her through getting set up with Neighbor to Neighbor, so that she could pay her rent. Ruth was so grateful for the help and support of HNS during this unexpected crisis.
- Ruth’s story told by her caseworker (names have been modified to protect the client’s privacy)
