More Stories of Our Families

"I was just a middle class housewife with three children. A few devastating turn of events and before I knew it I was a raging alcohol and drug addict. Within a year or so I had lost everything, and was out on the streets.  I needed to answer to some crimes I had committed and that took me to a year long jail sentence.  I desperately needed help and within 6 months was sent to a treatment center, Casa Clare.  When I was done there I went to Ladies Cots as the next step.  After that I needed a safe, family oriented living environment to continue my journey of recovery and to heal with my family.

Housing Partnership offered affordable housing with which I could make my first home out on my own.  It allows me to gain independence and pride while I get back on my feet.  I am so grateful to have such a beautiful place to call my home for the first time in five years.

I do believe that our journey has a reason and Housing Partnership was a perfect next step in my life.  I have been sober for four years now and my family ties are stronger than ever.  Thank you for this blessing!"

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"I feel happy and so thankful. I lived in shelters in California and Arizona, but came to Wisconsin because of a family connection. I was abused by my "husband" and went to Harbor House. From there, I moved into Partnership Apartments. I felt so safe and confident because I could afford rent.

Now my life is much better because I can live without this man and raise my five kids. Dorothy really helps with sorting through mail and bills and making a budget. Jenni also helps so I can stay in compliance with county requirement since I don't always understand.Both Dorothy and Jenni help me keep my family healthy by getting them to doctor and counseling appointments."

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"I was a housewife with three children going through a divorce. Because of abuse I went to Harbor House. I moved into the Transitional Housing. My children and I were happy to have our first hone on our own. Dorothy and Jenni made weekly visits. Dorothy helped with budgeting and employment issues. Jenni helped with children issues such as busing and health and wellness. They took me to important appointments as I was without a vehicle. They also helped me to obtain a van through the WINR program.

Sometimes it was just being able to express my concerns & fears to someone else. I would say that they helped me through some rough times. They both helped me find a different job that allows me more time with my children and less stress.

My family appreciates all the support and care that was provided along with the safe and wonderful place to live."

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"I was living in a studio apartment with my pregnant wife. We were both students and all the money we had was used for school expenses. We were going to school full time and didn't have any job opportunities. When my son was born we were facing a lot of problems: the studio where we were living was not safe for a new born. We couldn't study anymore because we used the same room as our bedroom and living room. When my son was sleeping we would have to turn the light off and sleep with him; when he woke up we would have to play with him. We were in this difficult situation for six months until we heard about the Housing Partnership of the Fox Cities from a staff member at Saint Mary Parish in Appleton.

When we got in contact with the Housing Partnership, our life started to get better. Even if we didn't get a place to stay, we were happy because they were able to answer all the questions that we had with a pure compassion.

One day, we received a letter from Housing Partnership saying that they had a place for us and told us when we would be able to move in. We didn't sleep that night because we were very happy! When we moved into the house, my wife told me "this is not a house, this is a palace." We were very excited!

Because of the Housing Partnership, we were able to have a place to live with our child, focus on school, and get good grades. I am about to graduate this semester, my wife was able to get into a nursing program and my son is growing up in a safe environment.

We can't imagine how our life would be if we didn't get this help from the Housing Partnership. Would we be able to keep going to school? Would we be able to keep our son in good health in a safe place? No!

I can't finish this story without thanking all the people who are helping the Housing Partnership reach their goal.  We are grateful to all of you who helped us make our dream come true!"