Lisa and her children, Cari (4) and Jerrel (1), became homeless when Lisa turned twenty-one. At this point, she was no longer eligible for foster care services. For the next three years, Lisa and her children stayed on and off with family. When she was able to earn enough money to get her first apartment, Lisa discovered it was infested with rats. Concerned about her children’s health and safety there, Lisa decided to move her children out. The family found themselves homeless once again. This time they sought help at a Madison area family shelter where they stayed for several months.
While in shelter, Lisa decided she needed to make a change in her life. She contacted a friend for help. This friend put her in touch with the coordinator of the Second Chance Apartment Project, a partnership program between The Road Home and the YWCA. After several interviews, Lisa’s family was accepted.
For two years, Lisa and her family worked with their case manager, their mentors and the Door Creek Church of Madison. Through Lisa’s hard work and the guidance and support of her case manager and mentors, Lisa was able to set and achieve many goals including earning steady income. After two years in the Second Chance Apartment Project, Lisa was referred to another program, House-ability.
Since beginning the program, Lisa has been able to find her own apartment. She has continued to successfully work with her case manager to secure transportation, provide her three children with summer camp opportunities and is working towards her GED. Her kids are doing well and everyone feels less stress since securing stable housing. Lisa says she feels very blessed to have been part of this program. She is grateful to The Road Home and others for being there for her and her family.