When Staying Strong is Your Only Choice
If someone had told me that at 59 years old, I would be sleeping in my car night after night, I would have said they were crazy. I had raised six children on my own while working full-time and prided myself on my independence. But there I was. Alone, scared, and with no idea how to get my life back. I had recently had a falling out with my children and I couldn’t bring myself to tell them the truth – I was homeless.
I had been a medical assistant for 25 years when my back pain started. Five years and two back surgeries later, I was in more pain than ever and unable to walk more than 25 feet at a time. I had to quit my job in the middle of the pandemic and became a caregiver. When my patient passed away, I realized that my back pain was too severe to continue working. I had run out of options. Without a job or savings, I was forced to leave my apartment and spent the next two frightening months sleeping in my car.
“I felt my first glimmer of hope when a friend told me about WISEPlace. I called and spoke to a case manager who put me on their waiting list. Every night, the case manager would call me to make sure I was OK. It was incredible to know that someone cared enough to check in on me. One day, she told me that they had a spot available for me. It was the best day of my life!” -Clara
In July 2021, I moved into a shelter room at WISEPlace, had a warm meal, and slept soundly for the first time in months. They provided me with clothes, counseling, mental health care, and helped me apply for housing vouchers and disability benefits. I would not have had the first idea how to do any of this on my own, but they were there for me every step of the way. At times it felt overwhelming, but I had no choice but to stay strong and keep moving forward.
“When I think back to the lowest point in my journey, I couldn’t have imagined being where I am now. But here I am, home at last, thanks to WISEPlace!” – Clara
As soon as I had my voucher, I started applying for housing. WISEPlace helped me find a great apartment and in November 2022, I moved in! They supplied me with furniture, dishes, pots, pans…everything I needed to feel at home. Every day, I look around my place and still can’t believe I’m safe.
My experience at WISEPlace turned my life around. I continue to meet monthly with my counselor and psychiatrist, and I’m thrilled to say that I’ve reconciled with my kids. Having them back in my life is the greatest feeling in the world. When I think back to the lowest point in my journey, I couldn’t have imagined being where I am now. But here I am, home at last, thanks to WISEPlace!
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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