Marianne is a single Latina, 20 years old and a victim of domestic violence.  She has custody of her two sisters, ages 5 and 7, because her mother is incarcerated, and the Administration for Children’s Services is involved with the family.  Living in a one-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn, she was taken to housing court by her landlord for rent arrears of over $4,000.  Her issues with DV and the expense of caring for her two sisters contributed to her financial problems.  She turned to Nazareth Housing for help. The first action we took was to assist her in securing an order of protection from her abuser.

Through a grant from the Sr. Marion Agnes Daniel Emergency Relief Fund and our partnership with other nonprofit organizations, our Prevention Specialist was able to secure the funds needed to avert eviction.  Marianne participated in financial counseling and we assisted with her application to college while linking her young sisters to ongoing services near their home. “Without Nazareth Housing’s help and the counsel of their wonderful staff, I don’t know how I would have survived to take care of my little sisters.  I am so very grateful for their help,” Marianne wrote recently in a letter of thanks.

Yolanda is a single 62 year old woman from the Lower East Side. She lives with her 34 year old son who is profoundly affected by autism. She is his primary care giver. A long-time supporter of Nazareth Housing referred Yolanda to our services for rental arrears assistance and for financial counseling. Her financial problems started to occur when she need to purchase a bed for her son. Living on a fixed income, Yolanda would like to work but has found it impossible as her son can not stay home alone due to his medical condition. Yolanda met several times with the financial counselor at Nazareth Housing to prioritize her needs and plan on how to manage resources going forward. Nazareth Housing was able to settle the rental arrears and help the family maintain its affordable housing.

Next Story

Because of you— Nazareth Housing— the home of my 3 children will be spared… I am truly humbled by this great act of kindness, because I didn’t know where I would get the money to pay off my rent arrears.  When Ms. Mildred Perez told me that she would help us, I cried out of being so touched that someone actually cared that my children and I were facing homelessness… I feel “thank you” just doesn’t convey how grateful I am with my 3 children included.  I pray that one day the 4 of us will be able to “pay it forward.” 
- AC

Today is my first day here with Nazareth and I had no idea what to expect. I am five months pregnant and came with no money and only about a day's worth of food. My roommate was extremely kind and made something for me to eat as soon as I got there. When she found out I had no food she told me not to worry and gave me some of her food. I felt bad because I didn't want to be a burden to her even though she said she didn't mind. Next thing I knew someone from Nazareth was knocking on the door with bags of groceries for me. I was so happy because I really needed it but mostly because I hadn't even asked. I was skeptical about coming here at first but now I am glad that I was placed somewhere where people truly care.  
~ Tracy