Building a better life isn’t easy. ALICE* households are reminded of this fact every day. But as Jakaria’s story reveals, having the right people and help available can forge a pathway to success.

“I was in an apartment that I liked, and it was a good price and location, but it was infested with roaches, bed bugs and had mold,” said Jakaria, a resident of Kalamazoo. “My landlord did not fix the issues and I decided to move out at the end of my lease. I had to throw away all of my furniture and most of my things and try to buy and find new things.”

Over the next three months, Jakaria juggled searching for a new apartment, taking care of her children, working her third-shift job and training to become a Certified Nurse Assistant. She also had to deal with an expensive car repair.

“For three months, everything happened all at once, and it all went wrong,” she said. But eventually she found a new place for her family that she thought she could afford.

“Due to my school schedule, I couldn’t work as many hours,” she explained. “I used all my savings after paying my new security deposit on my new place. I missed a rent payment right after I moved in, and I looked for community resources to help me so I didn’t get evicted.”

Jakaria reached out to Housing Resources Inc., which partners with United Way BCKR to connect people with stable, affordable housing as well as eviction diversion.

HRI helped Jakaria with back rent so she avoided eviction. HRI also enrolled her family in the Family Stability for Educational Success program. Funded by the Siemer Institute for Family Stability and United Way BCKR, this joint program involves HRI and Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan to enhance family success, stabilize a housing or income crisis, connect families to community resources, and drive financial stability and school support.

“My HRI Case Manager helped me get everything I needed to prevent an eviction and support me. She has been a real blessing to me,” said Jakaria.

HRI served as liaison between Jakaria and her landlord. “With the right help, in 90 days I did a complete turnaround,” she said.

That turnaround went beyond housing: Jakaria completed her CNA training and got a full-time job. She’s now able to pay her bills and provide for her family.

“When life hits you hard, it is very discouraging,” she said. “I know a lot of people struggling. When you can’t ever get ahead or save any money, and you have one issue and then 20 more issues come at you, it is hard.”

What kept her going? “I didn’t give up. My kids gave me a push. I don’t want my kids to feel like giving up is ever an option.”

What advice does Jakaria have for others facing those hard times, especially ALICE? “Don’t give up. If it seems like no one is listening or hearing you, just keep trying.”

This is the first in a new blog series describing the lives, challenges and successes of ALICE individuals and families. You can be part of our ALICE 2020 effort to help ALICE build a better life. Click here for more.

*ALICE = Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed – people who work hard yet face challenges that can keep them from achieving financial stability.