Sofia’s name has been changed to reflect privacy.
When Sofia’s life turned upside down, she didn’t know where to turn. Pregnant with her fourth child and suddenly single after her husband was sentenced to prison for domestic abuse, she felt a strange mix of fear and relief. She finally felt safe but also completely alone.
Being a single parent was tough. She lost her job and sold her car to help cover the bills. But it wasn’t enough. Despite her best efforts, Sofia and her children were evicted and faced homelessness.
“I was at such a low point,” Sofia said. “I felt like I was failing as a mother and that I didn’t deserve to have a family anymore. I cried myself to sleep every night and felt like the world just kept crashing down on me.”
Sadly, Sofia’s story is not unique. But thanks to Valley of the Sun United Way, partners like A New Leaf, and the support of our donors, they don’t have to end in despair.
“Too many families are just one crisis away from facing homelessness,” said Samantha Jackson, Community Development & Engagement Director of Housing and Homelessness at Valley of the Sun United Way. “That is why Valley of the Sun United Way is working alongside community partners like A New Leaf to build long-term solutions to the housing and homelessness crisis in Maricopa County. It is not about quick fixes; it is about providing access to the tools and support people need to rewrite their own stories”
In Sofia’s case, that meant access to A New Leaf’s Rapid Re-Housing program which assists families with moving out of homelessness and into safe and stable housing as quickly as possible. By providing wraparound support through short-term rental assistance, case management, and support services, Sofia was empowered to move forward with an actionable plan for a new, brighter future.
“I was shocked that my family would be able to even have a home again,” Sofia said. “It meant a lot.”
Sofia was able to get quickly approved for the ideal apartment for her family – directly near her children’s school with a free preschool program onsite.
“We believe housing is more than a shelter; it is a foundation for hope, stability, and opportunity,” Samantha added. “Working hand-in-hand with trusted organizations like A New Leaf allow us to combat these issues using every possible resource and ensure that families are set up with a system in place to be self-sufficient.”
“The help I got changed my life, and it changed my kids’ lives too!” Sofia shared.
She is now working full-time again and continuing to rewrite her family’s future.
Sofia’s story is one of many. These are the stories of Mighty Change – and they’re made possible by partners and donors who believe everyone deserves a place to call home.
