For over 2 years, Tasha, Leon and their children had called an extended stay hotel home. It wasn’t what they had hoped for their family,Leon been working a steady job with good pay for a long time. They could certainly afford rent on an apartment –it would be cheaper than the hotel. But, trying to save money for application fees, safety deposits,first/last month’s rent, etc. is impossible when paying the high cost of hotel life –including needing to eat out almost daily with no real kitchen available.
Tasha also worked, cleaning houses through a temp agency, so she could take time off when she needed to stay home with the kids when they were sick and on holidays. It was the only viable job option since there were no family or friends to assist with childcare. Tasha beganto feel she wasn’t providing a good stable home environment for her which led to anxiety and depression setting in.
By the time the family came to The Salvation Army, Tasha said she felt hopeless.
That all began to change once they joined The SalvationArmy LIFNAV program. They received safeshelter in our supportive housing facility with customized case management specific to their needs. Tashaquicklyreceived mental health treatment througha partnershipVolunteer Behavioral Health. Sheand Leonsigned up for andgraduated from the 8-week money management classto help them with budgeting for a new home. Finally, all the pieces were falling into placewhen in November, they qualified for and moved into a three-bedroom home with a big backyard in a quiet neighborhood just in time to celebrate Thanksgiving and decorate for Christmas.
Misty Ratcliff, Development and Communications Manager, The Salvation Army, Nashville Area Command –http://www.salvationarmynashville.org/
