Four years ago, Natasha entered a domestic violence shelter with her children after leaving an abusive relationship. The shelter provided immediate safety for her family, but she struggled to find a place to go when it was time to move on. Natasha knew she would need more time to overcome the barriers preventing her from being able to get approved to rent an apartment. Determined to find a solution, she stayed up all night searching for options online. She happened to come across a news article about Ecumenical Partnership for Housing, and the next morning, she approached her case manager and asked to be referred to EPH. Soon after, Natasha and her children moved into an EPH transitional housing duplex.
Upon moving into the home, Natasha was matched with a case manager to support her as she worked towards self-sufficiency. Families in the transitional housing program meet with a case manager weekly and focus on goals related to family well-being, financial stability, housing security, employment, education, and home care. After about a year, Natasha was ready to move on. She was accepted into the long-term supportive housing program and began renting a house owned by EPH.
The long-term supportive housing program allows families to rent from EPH for up to approximately three years while continuing to meet with a case manager regularly. The goal is that by the end of this time, families will be able to get approved to rent from a traditional landlord or purchase the home from EPH. Offering families the option to buy the home they live in provides the benefits of not having to move their family again and not having to compete in the housing market. EPH uses funds from the sale of homes to replace the property and continue serving the same number of families.
While in EPH housing programs, Natasha worked hard to reach her goal of becoming a homeowner. She secured a higher paying job and earned two promotions since getting hired, significantly increasing her income. She participated in budget counseling, satisfied her debts, and improved her credit score. Eventually, she reached a point where she was able to get approved for a home loan, and all her hard work and determination paid off in September 2024 as Natasha became a first-time homeowner!
When asked what made the biggest difference in her life during her time with EPH, Natasha stated that having the support of the team and the opportunity to focus and pay down debt made all the difference for her. She also said she would encourage other mothers entering our program by telling them, “Everything will be fine. Take advantage of the opportunity you are being given and know that no matter what your circumstances are, where you come from, or who your family is, you always have the opportunity to elevate yourself.”
Natasha has accomplished so much already, but she’s not done dreaming yet! She told us she has a new five-year goal of purchasing a four-plex and becoming rental property owner. With her unstoppable drive and work ethic, we have no doubt she will accomplish all she sets out to do!
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