A Short Stay Leads to a Big Change - Ella’s Story
To protect the safety & privacy of this family, we have changed their names and omitted photos.
Seeking a better life, Ella came to Phoenix from Yuma, Arizona.
She didn’t want to leave her family behind, but there just weren’t enough jobs in Yuma that paid a steady, livable wage. The funds she had set aside to use for housing during her job search didn’t last long. Despite having to sleep in her car, she secured a job at a hotel and started work.
Each week, she made a trip to Yuma to visit her children.
In early May, Ella and her family were housed at the emergency family shelter at UMOM New Day Centers. All five of them were together again: her partner and their three kids aged 8, 13, and 15.
Despite having a job, Ella met with our workforce development team. Together, they found a job that was a better fit for Ella with one of our preferred employment partners. This job offered better pay, a better schedule, and more stability.
At the same time, Ella was working with her case manager to find a home for her family. Together, they looked for a location that made sense and a unit that was affordable. Navigating the Phoenix real estate market is tough to do on your own, especially on a tight budget. At UMOM, our team has the knowledge and relationships to help participants find secure, safe, stable housing.
After less than 30 days staying at UMOM, Ella and her family have moved into their new apartment. The average stay for a family is around 100 days. Because Ella and her family were able to find stable housing and work so quickly, means another family from the wait list can access vital shelter and services to help get them back on their feet.
If you or someone you know is at risk of becoming homeless, there are resources available to help.
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