Tera is one of the 52 women who received services thanks to the 2022 Hope & Housing Alliance. “I couldn’t believe how quickly my life changed. Everything I loved and counted on was gone in the blink of an eye.”
Tera and her husband had been married for just two years and were settling into a happy life together when he suddenly died of a heart attack. In just a few short moments, one of the best times in Tera’s life had turned into her worst nightmare.
The sudden loss of her husband left Tera emotionally and financially devastated. Without his income, she could not afford rent on her own and had to leave her apartment. Occasionally, Tera would sleep on couches or a church property, but there were many nights she would end up sleeping on the streets.
Sadly, Tera’s story is not unique. With skyrocketing rents and inflation combined with fixed incomes below the poverty line, all it takes is one tragic event like an illness or loss of a spouse to force older adults out of their homes and onto the streets.
Struggling with grief and trauma, Tera sought help at a local mental health nonprofit. The staff could see the toll that homelessness was taking on her health and well-being, and they recommended she seek shelter at WISEPlace.
Funds raised by the 2022 Hope & Housing Alliance allowed us to take Tera off our waitlist and welcome her to WISEPlace. For the first time in nearly a year, she could count on having a safe place to sleep and warm meals to eat each day.
WISEPlace gave her the motivation she needed to budget her money and continue mental health counseling. She put aside her fears and attended socialization and confidence building activities at the shelter. With each passing day, Tera’s health improved and her hope for the future grew.
Thanks to support from our 2022 Hope & Housing Alliance members, Tera has moved into her own studio apartment! She continues to receive regular medical and mental health care and keeps busy by volunteering at church and visiting her local wellness and senior centers.
How can you help?
When you support WISEPlace, you provide safe shelter solutions and empowering wraparound services to unaccompanied women experiencing homelessness. Donate now to provide a caring community for those who call WISEPlace home.
