Client Stories from 2020
Stories from the Fill The Gap project in association with Interfaith of the Woodlands
[ January | March | July | August ]
[Note: All names are pseudonyms (names flagged with an asterisk (“*”).]
August/September 2020 Report
Client was living with a friend after her lease expired at her previous resident. Client’s friend has a disability and is going to be moving in with her soon next month in September, forcing client to find a new residence. After 2 months of searching, client located an apartment unit in North Conroe that accommodates her needs and was able to move in on 31st of August thank to the Peace and Justice Program covering her deposit.
Client is a 29 year old woman has been living with her step-father since moving back to Texas from South Dakota. At the house there are two other adults, three kids, and seven dogs. Her and her boyfriend have been saving up to get their own place for over a year and have found a mobile home in Willis. They recently were approved and thanks to the Peace and Justice Network have been approved to move in September and start their new adventure as a couple in their own place.
49yr old, male. Client was referred to us by St. Simon and Jude. Client moved in to his apartment in June and was allowed by Landlord to pay the Deposit and rent in a bulk payment. However, client was incarcerated due to a DUI and has been in jail ever since. STJ agreed to pay the rent and we are paying $400.00. Client was very thankful for the assistance and reminded PC not to drink and drive, saying… you can’t afford it. Client found an apartment in Montgomery county but, outside of our service area.
Client is a single, 58 year old, living by herself in an apartment. She has been unable to work due to COVID-19 and was struggling to keep up with her bills since she still owed her deposit to her electric company. Upon, inquiring for electric bill assistance in March, we realized that we could also help cover her deposit that was owed. Thanks to the Peace and Justice Network, she has been able to stay current after our assistance, and keep her lights on.
July 2020 Report
Client was unable to afford the rent at her previous apartment complex and after a much searching, she found a more affordable monthly rental rate at Tamarac Pines. However, the client did not have the funds for the deposit and the first month’s rent that was due upon her move-in date. Furthermore, the client expressed an expedited need for the funds as the lease at her previous complex was coming to an end within the month.
Client was assisted with $442 toward deposit assistance at Tamarac Pines. A week after receiving the deposit assistance, client sent over a card stating that she was very grateful to receive assistance on such short notice as she would’ve been on the streets without it.
Client was subletting a room in a home in Conroe, TX with the owners of the home informing him in April that they would be selling the home soon, most likely at some point in the summer. The owners placed the house on the market officially in May with it set to sell in June. With the onset of COVID-19 and uncertainty surrounding his continued employment at his place of business, the client located an apartment with a moderately low rent should his employment be terminated. After finding a unit at The Lakes at Westview in Conroe, TX, the client was offered the unit with a $300 security deposit due upon move-in. Client was assisted with $300 towards his rental deposit.
Single mother aged, 31, with 3 kids, ages 11, 9 & 8. Recently relocated from out of state 2 weeks prior to COVID 19. Been living in car and with friends.
Client found an apartment in Mission Woods. Deposit amount was $550.00
Marjorie, her daughter, and her granddaughter were staying with family after moving to Texas. They were told they had until Father’s Day to move out. Marjorie is on social security income and her daughter was able to find work but had to wait to start due to the COVID19 pandemic. She started working two weeks ago and Interfaith was able to provide shelter while they finished up their application to an RV Pak in Conroe. Thanks to the Peace and Justice Network they are going to be moving into an RV Park on July 3rd, with their deposit paid, and start their new lives in Texas
Susan and her partner Albert recently moved to the area and were struggling to find a place to live with limited income. After saving up they found a house in The Woodlands for rent and got approved. Thanks to the Peace and Justice Network they were able to have their deposit paid and move into a new home to start a new life here in The Woodlands.
March 2020 Report
Client is a 56 year-old woman who lost her home a year ago. Client was simply unable to afford all of her home expenses and slowly losing financial independence. Client lost her home and was forced to move in with friends until she was able to financially regain her stability. Client searched for an affordable apartment in the Spring area. The P & J program was able to assist with $100 towards her rent deposit. Client is now able to live in an affordable apartment and continue to strive for self-sufficiency
Angel is a 42 year old male living in The Woodlands. He owns a car wash and has not been getting much business due to the weather. He came in to get help with his electric bill and realized he had to pay his deposit as well which he could not afford. He first heard about Interfaith by bringing a friend of his who was getting out of a bad relationship in order to help translate for her as she did not speak English. Thanks to the Peace and Justice Network he was able to have his deposit paid and keep his lights on.
In November of 2019, Oranica’s apartment was badly damaged in a fire, and as a result she had to move in with her mother down in Houston. Oranica has been residing with her mother for the past few months as she saved up to move back to Spring where her place of employment is located. After months of making the near-hour commute back-and-forth from work, she was able to save up enough to move back into the area as she now had enough funds for a moving truck and the deposit for her new place. After spending the money that she has saved for moving expenses and on the apartment deposit, she was unable to afford her first month’s payment of her water bill as it was extremely high. Upon further inspection of her bill, it was shown that the bill was higher than she anticipated as she owed a $250 deposit to the water company . To her delight, she was informed that through the Peace and Justice program, Interfaith could actually assist her with the deposit. Client was assisted with $250 for her deposit and she was then able to afford the remainder left on her monthly water bill.
Forty-three year old single mother of 10 children had been living with her boyfriend. She reports lack of space and unsafe conditions for her and her family. Thankful for the deposit assistance!
Client was unable to afford the rent at her previous apartment complex and after a much searching, she found a more affordable monthly rental rate at Tamarac Pines. However, the client did not have the funds for the deposit and the first month’s rent that was due upon her move-in date. Furthermore, the client expressed an expedited need for the funds as the lease at her previous complex was coming to an end within the month. Client was assisted with $442 toward deposit assistance at Tamarac Pines. A week after receiving the deposit assistance, client sent over a card stating that she was very grateful to receive assistance on such short notice as she would’ve been on the streets without it.
January 2020 Report
Client came to Interfaith of The Woodlands seeking assistance with her rental deposit. Client was residing in Harris County and recently left a domestic violence situation. Client subsequently lost her employment when she relocated. She sought services thru The Women’s Center and resided in their shelter program for the first (30) days. She was then referred to the Salvation Army where she is currently residing. Client was able to secure an efficiency apartment within the local area and will be receiving assistance with her first month’s rent from the Salvation Army, contingent upon her showing proof of deposit being paid. Salvation Army referred client for assistance with her deposit. With the assistance of the Peace and Justice program, client will be able to pay her deposit, allowing her to move into her new home and begin a fresh start.
This couple, who are both 65 years old and have lived in Houston, Texas their entire lives. After being severely affected by Hurricane Harvey they were evicted from their home and have been struggling to find decent housing since that time. After 2 years they decided to retire and seek housing somewhere outside the city. They found a mobile home for rent in Montgomery, Texas where they would be able to relax and enjoy the simple country life. The P&J program was able to help with $400 towards their electric deposit and help them start their new life.
Daniele is a recently divorced mother of one. Her five year old has medical restrictions and is unable to walk without a brace. She has been coming to interfaith for a little over a year now to get help with groceries and applying for Medicaid. Her ex-husband decided he would not be helping her with the mortgage anymore and told her she had to move out. She was able to get approved for an apartment for herand her son her in The Woodlands and thanks to the Peace and Justice Network she was able to have her deposit paid. She will be moving in this week.
Client came to Interfaith of The Woodlands seeking assistance with her rental deposit. Client shared she lost her Mother in mid-December and subsequently lost her employment the following day. Client has been in ongoing outpatient services thru Tri Count Behavioral Health Care. After turn of events, client shared she was admitted to Aspire for inpatient behavioral health treatment. During her hospital stay, client lost her home. Client and her 14 year old daughter have been staying with friends in the interim. Client receives SSI and has regained part-time employment. Client has secured a duplex home for her and her daughter. Client has received assistance from another agency within the community with her pro-rated rent for January. Both local agency and Tri County referred client for help with remainder of her deposit. With the help of the Peace and Justice program, client will be able to secure stable housing, independently for her and her daughter.
Client is a 66 year old male seeking housing assistance. Client is originally from northern California but moved to Texas 25 years ago to be closer to his family. Client shared it has become difficult to live on a fixed income due to the majority of his siblings passing away in recent years and not having the help he once did. Client was homeless for some time but found a mobile home to rent from a private landlord in Montgomery, Texas. The P&J program was able to assist with $595 towards rent deposit and help this client move into a safe home.
Client is a 36 year old mother of two girls one is six-teen years old, one is 10 years old and an eight-teen year old son who recently moved away. Client has lived in The Woodlands for many years and always had a lucrative job. Client shared for the last two years her company has eliminated some parts of her commission making abilities, something she heavily relied on to make ends meet. States she is worried the company might be on a financial downfall and uncertain if she will have to search for employment in the near future. Client decided to downsize and move into a smaller apartment and was in need of rental deposit assistance. The P&J program was able to help with $250 towards rent deposit and helped her transition into a more reasonable
apartment.
Client is seeking assistance with her deposit. Client is a victim of domestic violence and has fled from her home with her infant daughter. Client was referred to Interfaith by Montgomery County Women’s Center. She has participated in their shelter program for the past (45) days. She has successfully gained meaningful employment, enrolled her daughter in daycare, and is receiving assistance with remainder of deposit and first month’s rent from agency. Client states she moved to Texas from Alabama. She no longer has communication with her ex and only her sister is aware of her
location. Client is eager to begin a “fresh start” and presents a bright affect and outlook. With the help of the Peace and Justice program, client will be able to secure stable housing for her and her daughter.