For years, Lucille was caught in an abusive relationship but she was fortunate to escape with her children. While it was tough leaving without a plan or resources, the relief of keeping her children safe and free of physical abuse was enough to keep Lucille strong.

She found an apartment to sublet and new job working hard to make ends meet. When she challenged her unethical employer who she realized cheated her on payday, she was threatened with losing her job. Without other skills in a tough economy, she was forced to stay. Her full paycheck barely helped meet basic needs for four children and herself. After exhausting every resource, she was evicted and found herself living in her car with her children.

Eventually, Lucille found her way to RI where she was enrolled in our transitional housing program—and then provided support and services that enabled her to make the next decisions without the worry of living in a shelter or on the streets.

Today, Lucille has a new job with an RI partner employer and has learned how to manage her earnings. She received her GED with help though our volunteer tutoring programs. With a scholarship from RI, she is now enrolled at Northern Virginia Community College to continue her education so that she can better support her children. Lucille’s hard work and parenting are an example to her children who are proud of their mother. Three of her four children are “A” students.

RI served 5,121 families like Lucille’s last year. By providing them with a place to call home or basic resources, they are able to make positive changes in their lives and achieve personal goals.

Send your gift today to support Reston Interfaith’s work to end homelessness and provide affordable housing so none of us has to hear another person say, “I never imagined that I could be homeless.”