* “Stories of HOPE” feature real clients and their stories, however, we use a stand-in name and image to protect their privacy *
“Natalia” came to HOPE in December of 2025. She was working but had to leave town for three weeks to care for her sick mother who unexpectedly passed away. Natalia then had to oversee her funeral arrangements. Because she was gone from her job for an indefinite period of time, the apartment complex where she was also living let her go. She returned home grieving, with no job and no clear path to regaining self-sufficiency.
When Natalia reached out to HOPE, her apartment complex had already filed for eviction against her. She contacted us for rental assistance and support while she figured things out. HOPE’s Case Manager talked her through her goals and steps to get a new job. She secured an offer letter for a different job and HOPE began to empower her for financial assistance.
Her financial counselor noted her overall spending habits were responsible, but there were areas such as eating out that she could manage better. Natalia’s Case Manager advocated for her with the apartment complex to accept our funds to avoid her eviction, as the Sheriff’s office was in the process of delivering a notice to vacate within 24 hours (known as a writ of possession).
As a result of HOPE’s intervention, in addition to agreeing to stop the eviction, the complex also offered Natalia her job back! Now she is securely housed, gainfully employed, and moving forward with her life. She will continue to participate in our financial literacy workshops to stabilize her budgeting skills and was offered grief resources.
