ECS FAST Housing provides case management and permanent, subsidized housing to 42 families with a history of chronic homelessness. The program serves households in which the parent is recovering from behavioral health issues or a child has a disability.
We were staying in an apartment. It wasn't the best-kept place but I made it work for as long as I could for me and my kids. When I couldn't afford the place anymore, we went into the shelter system. It was even more run-down than my old apartment, but that just made me strive to get us out of that situation. I kept myself busy holding down a job, taking care of my kids, and doing what I had to do to get out of there.
I saw a flyer on FAST posted at the shelter. My case worker told me that the program was for people that have problems with addiction and mental health. That was me. I fit into that category. I've done a lot of therapy to overcome those issues and I did it through the grace of God and because I knew I had to do it for my kids.
I have a good relationship with my caseworker, Zina. Sometimes I need somebody just to listen to me. We talk about anything that's going on with me; look at the bills, the report cards. I did have a little downfall a while back when I lost my job. I had to rely on ECS for some assistance. Sometimes your back gets against the wall when you're a single mom and you need that extra help. I was so used to doing everything by myself, but I put my pride to the side and let them help me out a little with things like toiletries and utilities.
Thank God for my house. I was always a strong-willed person; no matter what kind of situation I was in, I made it work for me. This house just made my life even better, to the point where I can push myself to move forward and also help people that helped me.