Meet Ann Marie – A Story of Hope & Housing
Imagine seeing a woman in her 70s, sleeping in her car, shivering with cold, night after night. Tragically, this is an increasingly common sight in our communities. Seniors are now the fastest growing population of people who are experiencing homelessness.
At age 71, Ann Marie became homeless. Her husband had passed away and she had been living with a cousin, but it was not working out and she had to leave. She was forced to live in her car, where she was extremely vulnerable to crime and health issues.
“I had nowhere to go. I lived in my car in a friend’s garage. She was taking a risk as I was not supposed to be there. I was so cold.” – Ann Marie
Fortunately, a kind woman at Ann Marie’s church told her about WISEPlace. She met with our case manager and was immediately welcomed into our shelter. We are very familiar with the unique challenges faced by older adult women who find themselves homeless – more than 40% of WISEPlace shelter participants are over 60 years old.
Thanks to your support, we were able to provide Ann Marie with safe shelter, healthy meals, and vital wraparound services we call The WISEPlace Way, a solutions-based program to get women back on their feet with support.
“The services at WISEPlace are amazing. I was given counseling and financial advice. I also learned about housing options and how to take care of my health. WISEPlace helped me with my job search and taught me computer skills. It was just what I needed.” – Ann Marie
With the counseling and self-confidence she gained at WISEPlace, Ann Marie was able to find a part-time job as a caregiver. She began to save money and pay her own rent.
After two years of hard work and perseverance, Ann Marie had saved enough to move into her own apartment in a senior living community. She had been living independently for two years when COVID-19 hit in March. She was laid off from work and was struggling to pay her rent and bills. WISEPlace stepped in with financial assistance so she would not become homeless again due to the pandemic.
With WISEPlace by her side, Ann Marie found a new, safe part-time job and is back on her feet once again!
“At 75 years old, I made a promise to myself that I will make it. I learned that I have to be steady and focus on my goals. Thank you for supporting WISEPlace so that they could walk with me on my journey. I am housed and I am safe, thanks to YOU.” – Ann Marie
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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