“Going above and beyond”
Homeward Bound’s Rapid Rehousing and Homelessness Prevention program provides short-term financial support and case management to individuals and families at imminent risk of homelessness and to those already experiencing homelessness in Buncombe County. Our Rapid Rehousing and Homelessness Prevention Specialist, Jesika Davis, shares an experience from her work supporting Andrea, a mother of two who was facing homelessness with her two children.
“My client was forced to move because her landlord was unable to renew her lease. She was a perfect tenant, they acknowledged, but they needed the house for personal reasons. She and her two children were scrambling to find a new place that would accept their housing voucher. Her old landlord confirmed she would get her whole deposit back, but not until after she moved out, and gave her 30 days to do so. Time was running out, and her former landlord was planning to file an eviction against Andrea.
This is when Andrea used our Get Help webpage to apply for housing assistance through Homeward Bound’s Rapid Rehousing and Homelessness Prevention program. We were able to help her with the inspection, lease signing, landlord negotiations, and ultimately the deposit within the week. When the new landlord spoke with me and learned more about Homeward Bound, he was willing to give Andrea the keys early just based on our word, also allowing her to avoid an eviction on her record. She was so relieved and grateful that she asked if she could thank our team personally.” – Jesika Davis, Rapid Rehousing/Homelessness Prevention Specialist
“I want to personally take the time to thank Homeward Bound’s Jesika, Amanda, Housing Services Director Jenny, and the whole finance department for making it possible for me and my kids to move into our beautiful home we’re in now. I am beyond thankful for the urgency, compassion, and going above and beyond to make this chapter of my life possible for me and my kids. I appreciate you all and thank you so much again for all of your hard work to make this happen.” – Andrea
