The road from homelessness to stability is often a long, bumpy road filled with barriers and setbacks. Rebecca, a single mom, was no stranger to setbacks but she never imagined having to move her family into her car to live.
With no family or place to turn, Rebecca turned to social media for help and learned about Bluffton Self Help’s services through a Facebook group. She came in the very next day to meet with a client advocate, “I’m a single mom, barely making ends meet, and I have no support from my family. I have two kids and just had a baby. I’m now on the verge of being homeless and I don’t know what else to do. I have to get money together immediately to move because they are selling our house we are currently renting. I can’t find another rental I can afford or even apply for.”
That day she went home with emergency food to get her family through the week. Rebecca was also given a list of additional community resources available to her. The following day they got to work. Bluffton Self Help’s client advocate worked with Rebecca to complete a public housing application, update her resume and put a plan together. With a little bit of guidance, she submitted employment applications to a local grocery store and hotel using Bluffton Self Help’s computer lab. She interviewed the following week and received offers from both.
Rebecca stopped in recently to say thank you, “I feel like things are finally turning around. Once you hit rock bottom it is hard to pick yourself back up but I knew I had to for my children. My family would still be hungry and homeless if it weren’t for BSH.”
Many families like Rebeccas are not making a livable wage, and struggle to find affordable housing. 36% of homes in Beaufort and Jasper Counties are sub-optimal, meaning they do not have a complete kitchen, working plumbing or multiple families are living under one roof in crowded conditions. Homelessness is not often a topic of conversation in the Lowcountry but as the housing crisis continues to affect more and more people, local businesses and the economy – it is becoming increasingly visible. Through our holistic approach we work with families to overcome barriers, get back on their feet and reach their full potential.
To learn more about how we support neighbors and families like Rebecca check out our website.
Diana Deal says
The good work you do is heartwarming and I’d like to be involved with helping others.