Client Stories

Gerald never thought having three jobs would leave him unable to pay his rent. But, when his position at a grocery store was terminated and his girlfriend unexpectedly moved out, taking her portion of the rent with her, Gerald could not make ends meet. Although he still maintained his employment as a shuttle service operator and waiter at a local restaurant, his suddenly decreased income was not enough to cover his housing costs.

He feared that if he could not make his payments, he would have no choice but to become homeless. In the face of eviction, Gerald came to Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services.

Good Shepherd's Emergency Services program provides funds for clients who are facing eviction or utility disconnection or need assistance with a security deposit or first month's rent. The Emergency Services Program was able to provide Gerald with enough money to stop the eviction during this temporary financial crisis.

Thankful to have avoided homelessness through the help of Good Shepherd Housing, Gerald says "I'm waking up everyday with a smile on my face again. I'm very appreciative."

Even before she found out that her home was destroyed, Silvia knew something wasn't right. She recalls having an uneasy feeling in her stomach and telling a friend she needed to go home. When asked why, she said, "I just feel it. There is something wrong."

A call from her sister confirmed her suspicions. A drunk driver had crashed into their trailer with a stolen car, damaging it so badly that the family could no longer live inside. Because of the conditions of the crash, the insurance company would not pay for the repairs. The Garcias needed help and they came to Good Shepherd Housing to find it.

Through the Housing as Top Priority program, Good Shepherd Housing paid to make the Garcia's trailer habitable. Soon, the family was able to sell their old trailer and upgrade to a newer and bigger one. Good Shepherd Housing was also able to help Silvia with the cost of her asthma medicine and through Children's Resource, Silvia's sons were able to attend karate classes and summer camp.

Through the variety of resources Good Shepherd Housing offers, the Garcia family was able to turn their personal tragedy into an opportunity for great success.

When Odalee was forced to evacuate from her home in the face of Hurricane Katrina, she had no idea if it would still be there when she came back. However, her biggest concern was for the well-being of her eight-year-old daughter. "She was upset for a long time because she had to leave all of her toys," Odalee says wearily, "It's hard because as a parent you don't have answers."

Receiving no insurance money for her home after it was destroyed by eight feet of water left Odalee needing answers as well. She and her daughter took refuge with a relative in Northern Virginia who pointed them in the direction of Good Shepherd Housing.

Through the Housing as Top Priority program, Odalee was able to find an apartment, receive funds for her education, and gain support through a women's group. The Children's Resource program provided the funds for Odalee's daughter to attend summer camp, something that she had always enjoyed doing but her mother feared they could not longer afford.

Odalee dreams of one day returning to New Orleans, but knows rebuilding her home town will take time. "My immediate goal is to establish a serious, well-rounded life here," Odalee says, "Good Shepherd has been a tremendous positive influence and help." (see her daughter's personal story highlighted in our 2009 Annual Report)

Five years ago, Bill was happily married and working as a manager in a Fortune 500 company. He was preparing to retire with his wife, Barbara, when she was diagnosed with lung cancer. She received an unsuccessful lung transplant and soon died. "I had been married for 34 years and we had no children...I just lost everything," Bill recalls, "...It devastated me. I couldn't function." Unable to cope, Bill abandoned his home and financial responsibilities and began living on the streets. He remembers this period of homelessness as a time of deep grief and fear.

Bill had the desire to reestablish his life but felt too distraught to begin. He had sufficient income to pay rent, but his credit was too damaged from letting his finances go. Bill developed a friendship with a worker at a local food bank who suggested Bill go to Good Shepherd Housing. Through Good Shepherd's ABC Program, Bill was able to rent an apartment and receive credit counseling. He is regaining control of his finances, health, and well-being.

Bill's story is proof that homelessness can affect anyone, even a person with a steady job and an established life. It is also a story of hope that reminds us that it is never too late to turn a life around.

Just a few years ago, the future looked bleak for Nekita. Poor financial decisions, a low-paying job, and a divorce left her in financial straits. As a result, Nekita accumulated bad credit, which barred her from improving her situation. To her dismay, Nekita and her daughter were forced to become homeless. Driven by the desire to create an example of success for her young daughter, Nekita decided to take steps towards repairing her life and finances.

It was this decision that led Nekita to Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services. Good Shepherd's ABC (Apartments—Budgeting—Counseling) Program was able to provide her with an affordale apartment as well as budgeting classes. Nekita was so grateful for the opportunity to prove that she could take on responsibility. Her experiences with other landlords had left her feeling hopeless. "You have a job and can pay bills but no one, based on your credit report, will allow you the opportunity to even prove that. It's a hurtful feeling," Nekita says.

With the support of Good Shepherd, Nekita eliminated almost all of her debt, dramatically improved her credit, bought a car, and went back to school. Beaming with excitement about the bright future, Nekita says, "I'm looking forward to next year because I will be in an even better place than I am right now."