Elderly neighbor can’t afford to stay in their home

Because of you, we provide essential rental assistance services.

By Ivana Ohara

Two years ago, Mindy’s* loving partner of 30 years passed away. Now, at 68, she faces the overwhelming stress of impending homelessness. They had built a life together in what they envisioned as their forever home and made plans to ensure Mindy would be cared for after his death. However, those plans fell apart when his family sold the house without her knowledge and forced her to leave. After spending decades in a home that was supposed to be hers, Mindy is fighting to keep a roof over her head.

Mindy was blindsided and heartbroken by the sudden eviction. With no other option, she moved into an apartment with higher rent than she could afford. With just over $1,000 in monthly Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, Mindy is stretching her finances as far as possible. She used her partner’s savings to keep up with rent, but that money soon ran out. Now, with almost $5,000 in arrears, she faced eviction.

Mindy unsuccessfully applied for state-aided public housing. In 2020, she also applied for Section 8 housing but remains 60th on an extensive waiting list. With limited income, the rising cost of living, and a series of unanticipated setbacks, Mindy is doing everything she can to avoid becoming homeless. Mindy needs help. She needs your support.

After hearing about Beverly Bootstraps through a local resource, Mindy submitted an online request for financial assistance. Our Case Manager reached out to learn more about her situation. She helped her apply for the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program, which funds short-term emergency housing. Her Case Manager worked closely with Mindy to connect her with resources, ensuring she continues to access the support needed to navigate her challenges.

At Beverly Bootstraps, we see firsthand the struggles of individuals like Mindy, who have worked their entire lives only to face hardship in their later years. Living on a fixed income, they are often just one crisis away from losing the stability they deserve. No one should spend their golden years fearing eviction or wondering where they will sleep at night. But with your help, that doesn’t have to be their reality. Your generosity provides more than financial assistance—it restores dignity, security, and hope.

Beverly Bootstraps’ Case Management Team provides various support services to help individuals and families cope with complicated situations. Case Managers first assess the clients’ financial and living situations, then facilitate connections to community resources and services to promote a path to sustainability and to assist with basic needs such as food, housing, heat, utilities, clothing and household items.

Additionally, Case Managers assist clients in signing up for government benefits and creating personalized action plans for each client to help them establish self-sufficiency.

Learn more about our client support services by clicking here >>

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