Debra – Making All the Difference

More than a decade ago, Debra faced a major dilemma.

For her 8-year-old son’s sake — and hers — she had to leave a long-term relationship and start over.

But where? And how?

Debra had worked steadily for years but had just a part-time job at the time. Her income was low, she really had nowhere to go, and was close to living on the streets. She was growing desperate.

That’s when Abode began helping her.

After a friend’s recommendation, she contacted Sunrise Village, Abode’s emergency shelter, where Debra and her son eventually moved. She was anxious as they settled into the shelter, but those fears quickly went away.

“I couldn't believe all the families had their own rooms, with their own bathrooms,” she said. “I never imagined a shelter could look and feel that good.”

Debra credits Abode employees for providing guidance and encouragement during her stay at the shelter.

“My case manager helped me become self-sufficient, helping me to set goals and then achieve them," she said. “When you’re struggling, someone like that makes all the difference in the world.”

After four months at the shelter, she was approved for a supportive housing program. After two years there, Debra and her son then gained their own permanent housing.

Debra says the stability she found at the shelter allowed her to plot a path to self-sufficiency. She took classes and gained full-time employment. She also was able to provide for her son, giving him a chance to pursue his career goals.

Debra’s son today is an adult who works full-time as the general manager of a local business.

“My son’s success has surpassed even my expectations,” she said. “That’s your goal with kids, to prepare them so they can fly away.”

Debra, meanwhile, now works full-time at a place she loves: the same Abode shelter that helped her all those years ago.

“When things get tough for participants, I can tell them to stay with it,” she said. “That working toward their goals can result in them finding their own home and a new chance at life.”

She added: “It’s all come full circle. And it just warms my heart being there.”