Marlena’s Story

Marlena is a single mother with two children who recently escaped an abusive relationship. But after losing one of the two jobs she was holding down to make ends meet, she could no longer afford her rent. An eviction followed, which led to a state of homelessness.

After a police outreach team met Marlena, they helped find her a temporary shelter for domestic violence victims, but it wasn’t a permanent home. Fortunately, the police outreach team also connected Marlena to the Family Solutions Collaborative, which matched Marlena to housing developed by HomeAid Orange County and operated by Families Forward.

Immediately, Marlena’s Case Manager got them placed through rapid re-housing and began the work to find permanent housing. Meanwhile, Marlena worked with a Families Forward Career Coach to help her find a stable, full-time position. When the Residences at 21st Street opened in December, Marlena was ready to submit an application. By that time, Marlena had secured a full-time office administrative position and was ready to take the next step toward economic stability.

Marlena and her two children moved into their new home just in time to be home for the holidays.