I was frozen, I didn’t want to speak to management.” -Maria (HOPE Client) Maria arrived at HOPE after a three-hour bus ride via Lynx from Altamonte Springs to Oviedo. She was between jobs and car trouble left her with no reliable transportation. She heard about HOPE through 211 – United Way of Central Florida’s telephone human services directory, and with fears of losing her home looming on her mind, she took the long trek east. Despite her determination, Maria came to HOPE discouraged. She told us that she had just been placed on eviction status at her apartment. The bigger problem, however, was her reluctance to receive help. Maria told us she tried to receive financial assistance before from a different nonprofit, but things fell through halfway during the process. She didn’t want to experience that again. We assured her that she qualified for help and that we’d do all we could to help her remain in her home and return to self-sufficiency. As such, despite her reluctance, and fear to speak with management at her complex, we got Maria the help she needed. One of our case managers spoke to management at her apartment on her behalf and worked through the process with her. HOPE also had her removed from eviction status and her balance was taken care of in three days. Next, HOPE helped Maria set goals for future rent payments and referred her to agencies that help with employment. She also received financial counseling and she was especially thankful for that, and for learning budgeting and credit management. We’re happy to report that this month Maria received a new job that is close to her apartment, that she has remained in her home and that things are looking bright again for her all thanks to HOPE.
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Apr
