Support HPP this #GivingTuesday

The Garcias* were on the brink of homelessness.  

The family of three was spending 75% of their income on rent, leaving only one-fourth of Valeria Garcia’s paycheck to pay for food, utilities, transportation, medicine, clothing, and school supplies. Valeria wanted to keep her two kids in Somerville Public Schools, but the stress of being so severely rent burdened was crushing.

Valeria turned to CAAS’ Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) for help. CAAS’ HPP Advocates were determined to get the Garcia family into a more affordable housing situation, and worked on their case for almost a year, meeting several times with Valeria and her landlord. During this time, the support of donors like you helped make it possible to keep the Garcia family housed in Somerville.

With HPP’s help, the Garcias are now living in an affordable public housing apartment in Somerville. The children did not have to leave their friends and teachers at Somerville Public Schools, and Valeria is no longer stressed about making rent. The family’s rent and utilities are now only 30% of their income. With HPP’s help, the family now has more than double the resources available for other crucial needs.

We know you share our belief that no family in this community should endure these hardships. With 39% of your neighbors struggling to meet their basic needs, stories like these are far too common. You can have a direct impact today in helping CAAS help families like the Garcias.

Become a  CAAS Champion this Giving Tuesday to help your neighbors stay in their homes, their schools, and our community.

*names have been changes to keep the confidentiality of our clients