Mayor Baraka, Newark Housing Authority: 200 public housing units for chronically homeless residents
A 30-year-old female client, who is a survivor of domestic violence, overcame homelessness with the support of UCC’s Fulton Street Emergency Shelter. After spending eight months without stable housing, she managed to maintain her employment, progressing from a temporary, seasonal position to a permanent role.
Recognizing the deep impact of her trauma, the client requested counseling, which she received from Tonyette Jackson, a Licensed Social Worker at UCC. These counseling sessions were a vital part of her healing process and helped her regain confidence and emotional stability.
Despite her employment progress, the client faced challenges finding housing within her budget. After two months, she was awarded a Housing Choice Voucher, which helped her overcome some financial obstacles. When she found an apartment she truly loved, securing the security deposit became a new hurdle. UCC’s case management team worked closely with the agency’s Housing Assistance Department to provide rental assistance. The client also demonstrated growth in her budgeting skills by saving enough to pay the realtor’s fee.
Both Yucleidis at the Fulton Street Emergency Shelter and Ebony at Housing Assistance went above and beyond their roles at UCC to advocate for the client and support her journey to stability. Their efforts ensured the client’s needs were met with compassion and efficiency.
At the end of December, the client successfully moved into her new home. With the support of her Housing Choice Voucher and the care she received from UCC, she now has the stability and peace of mind to rebuild her life.
