The Inspiration of a Child

Last year Lisa’s life seemed grim.  Homeless, pregnant and living on the streets, she knew she couldn’t continue that way.  Accepted into The Homelessness Project (THP) from out of a shelter, Lisa moved into Transitional Housing, a studio apartment, before her son was born.  A rent subsidy from THP makes it possible for her to afford her home – and to begin again.

Although Lisa is now getting her life in order, it hasn’t been without challenges.  Like many parents, finding quality childcare was an exhausting effort.  She thought she might have to give up her dream of getting an education as her fears about leaving her son in inadequate care grew daily.  Her primary concern was to find quality daycare, with a lower caretaker-to-child ratio for her infant son than is usually provided in daycare for older children.  Finally, she was able to find childcare in one of the limited facilities that both had space available and accepted DSHS subsidies.

Every day Lisa readies herself and her child for the day.  At 6:30 a.m. she boards the bus, arms overflowing with a stroller, diaper bag, her purse and her greatest joy – her 3-month old son Austin.  Her first stop is her hardest.  At infant care she says goodbye to Austin for the day and heads off to school and a job.

Lisa’s case manager has been instrumental in helping her navigate the often confusing social service system.  “She’s a godsend,” Lisa exclaims.  “I couldn’t have done it without her!”

As Austin is 3-months old, Lisa had to find work in order to continue receiving full assistance from DSHS.  She can also go to school but only if she works 20 hours a week as well.  She left school when she was in the 7^th grade but later went on to earn her GED degree.

Today she wants more than an education.  “I need a degree to get any kind of good job,” she says with determination.  She has worked hard to make this happen.  Just a few weeks ago she obtained financial aid and began school and work at a local community college.

Though she is committed to getting an education, she has trouble being away from her infant son for 9 hours a day – and then having to study several more hours a night.  Excitement about her new life is tempered by the challenges of juggling her roles as student, employee, tenant and new Mom.

Lisa meets all of the challenges she is encountering with great determination because of her passion that her child have a better future.  “Having Austin is a major motivation,” she says softly.  “I am doing this for him.”

 THP Newsletter

And Now, An Update…

Last Spring we told you about Lisa, the 22-year old mother of infant Austin, who was managing to juggle motherhood, school, and work with the help of her THP case manager and The Homelessness Project.

Today Lisa continues to be positive about the direction her life has taken.  After several months in transitional housing, she reports a significant drop in her stress level.  She is able to enjoy her role as a mother and is even finding time to reconnect with her family.  Austin is thriving in his day acre and proudly shows off his new teeth and belly laugh.

Lisa carries a full class load at a community college, where she also holds a 30-hour a week job as an administrative assistant.  The combination makes for a tremendous amount of work, but it is necessary for her to keep her income subsidy from the Welfare to Work Program.  Fortunately, she loves it all!  She has even saved enough money to buy, license and insure a car – an investment which has cut three hours off her daily commute.

Lisa and Austin are very close to receiving a Section 8 voucher through the Seattle Housing Authority, which will allow them to live in a community of their choice.  In the meantime, Lisa is very grateful to have her case manager and THP help her find the stability she needs for herself and her baby.

THP Newsletter, Winter 2000

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