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Stories of Nazareth's Success
Elena's and Jennifers Story
Before I tell my mother Elena’s story, I want you to know that being in the shelter system is hard on a teenager. Having to deal with the stigma of being homeless, losing friends, transferring schools, and moving away from family is hard enough. One day it seemed like I had it all and then slowly everything was slipping away. But with the support of Nazareth Housing staff I was able to complete the 11th grade with honors and move to the 12th grade. I gained my first job in their summer youth employment program. But, my personal story and my trauma does not compare to what my mother has endured. Here is her story…
On October 7, 2007, Department of Homeless Services placed my family at Nazareth Housing. This was our 31st placement in a two month period as we were placed in many over night shelters. The department continuously found us ineligible for shelter placement. Throughout these moves I felt a lump growing in my left breast. Upon my placement at Nazareth Housing, I felt the warmth and compassion of the staff and I finally shared my medical concerns with them. They advised me to seek immediate medical attention while they would advocate for my continued placement at Nazareth Housing. The staff contacted public assistance, Department of Homeless Services, and my attorneys to ensure that I could remain in the placement. The doctors did confirm that I had stage II breast cancer and recommended that I begin a 3 month course of radiation and chemotherapy to shrink the cyst in my breast. Throughout these months, I continually received notices from DHS, PATH and PA which I quickly gave to the Nazareth Housing staff to handle. They were always successful in letting my daughter and I stay in placement.
The radiation and chemotherapy treatments were not successful and on April 17, I had surgery. Nazareth Housing staff made sure the unit was suited for my recovery. They made sure there was adequate food and nursing services provided. They even gave me a TV to watch when I was alone. Later testing proved that there were cancerous cells in my other breast. On May 2 I had surgery on the other breast. Once again, Nazareth Housing staff was there to ensure that I was comfortable and able to heal. I began a 6 week course of chemotherapy and radiation to stop the growth of cancer in my body. During this time I was found eligible for permanent housing rental assistance. With the assistance of NH staff I was able to search for permanent housing while still undergoing radiation treatment. I was able to locate permanent housing in Queens and accomplish my dream to create a stable home for myself and my daughter. On July 21, we moved into our own apartment
I am grateful to everyone at Nazareth Housing because they helped me through the hardest time of my life. When arriving at Nazareth Housing, my daughter Jennifer was struggling. After several weeks of stability and support, I began to see my daughter re-emerge. Nazareth Housing's teen programming, art workshops and the constant devotion of the staff brought back my daughter to me. Thank you Michael, Cynthia, Mildred, Felipe, Sister Marion Agnes, and Dorit. If it wasn’t for all of you, I would have not been able to make it through.
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