Imagine Losing Your Home at 71 Years Old
When Elaine arrived in Orange County in 1990, all she had were her three young children and a suitcase full of clothes. Having fled from abuse, she and her children moved in with Elaine’s parents until she was able to find a job and secure a home of their own.
As a single mother of three young children, her employment options were limited, but Elaine persevered and found a job working in the medical field. She made enough money to rent a home, pay the bills and provide for her family, but there was little left over to put aside for retirement. She managed on her own for more than two decades, but then her health took a giant turn for the worse.
Over the next few years, Elaine survived cancer, two spinal surgeries, and developed numerous other medical conditions that left her with severe headaches and mobility issues. Unable to continue working, she had to retire early and survive on a small, fixed income. She stretched every penny to make ends meet, but when her rent was raised in 2022, she was at her financial breaking point.
“I’m 71 years old and on a fixed income. When I found out that my rent was going up, I couldn’t stop crying. The thought of being turned out onto the streets was terrifying.” – Elaine
That’s when Elaine contacted WISEPlace. At WISEPlace, we are all too familiar with the challenges that she was facing. Skyrocketing rents and a shortage of affordable housing have impacted the women we serve, particularly older adults who rely on fixed incomes and are often dealing with physical challenges that affect their personal stability.
We welcomed Elaine and got right to work on finding her an affordable housing solution. We also provided her with additional supportive services that are part of our comprehensive, solutions-based approach to ending homelessness.
Thanks to YOU, Elaine is now housed in a safe neighborhood that is close to her doctors. She is thrilled to be home and is receiving regular medical care to treat her ongoing medical conditions.
YOUR SUPPORT is the key to hope and housing women for Elaine and other women in need!
How can you help?
When you support WISEPlace, you provide safe shelter solutions and empowering wrap-around services to unaccompanied women experiencing homelessness. Donate now to provide a caring community for those who call WISEPlace home.
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