March 2024
Participant is a fifty-five-year-old African American female who transferred to Mesa Arizona from Illinois “to get a fresh start.” Upon moving to Arizona, Participant lived on her own and worked full time in customer service. After three years, she lost her job and no longer had enough money to pay her rent and keep up with her household expenses and bills. As a result, she lost her apartment and began staying with friends, as she did not have family in Arizona. She continued to struggle to save money to pay bills and reestablish living on her own.
After a year, she was no longer able to reside with friends and became homeless. Participant contacted the Mesa I-HELP program and was able to enter the program on 12/05/2023. During her stay with Mesa I-HELP, she continued to work and was able to save money for ending her homelessness and paying off bills.
After three months in the program, she found a compatible housemate and moved in on 03/08/2024 with the goal to continue to work, finish paying off her bills, and to afford to reestablish living on her own. Participant stated that she is so thankful for the Mesa I-HELP program where she could stay and be safe, save money, and pay down her bills. She continues to keep in contact with the Mesa I-HELP Program Assistant and Case Manager and reports that she is still doing very well.
