Holding on to Hope: Sara’s Story

Sara and her two young children were living in transitional housing when she was connected with Bridge of Hope. She lives in an area with very limited housing options but needed to stay there to keep her job and her children in their school.

A months-long housing search finally concluded when a friend of a Bridge of Hope staff member amazingly offered to rent out a house they own. Recognizing that hope can’t wait, they were generous and set the monthly rent at an affordable rate.

“My kids and I love our new house,” Sara said. “We now have a yard to play in.”

With the weight of searching for housing lifted off her shoulders, Sara could turn her focus to building financial stability and being the best mom possible for her children. She started a new job as a school aide, with increased pay and a better schedule.

Sara was looking for a support system and that’s exactly what she received in her group of Neighboring Volunteers.

“My group was very welcoming and kind,” Sara shared. “They checked in with me frequently to see if I needed anything. They made me feel safe and able to ask for help.”

The women in the group went with Sara and the kids to their local botanical garden. The group also helped in very practical ways, like mowing Sara’s yard, shoveling snow and building furniture. Two of the volunteers, a married couple, Jean and Jim, would periodically take the kids out for dinner and ice cream, giving Sara a chance to have some much-needed time to rest and recharge.

Jean initially got involved with Bridge of Hope after she was shocked by the data around homelessness in her county and wanted to do something to help. Sara’s family is the second family Jean has neighbored, and she loves spending time with Sara and her kids. Jean plans to stay in touch with Sara even though her time with Bridge of Hope has officially come to an end, as she and Jim consider her a friend.

“I feel like I received more than I gave,” Jean said. “Sara and her kids are so wonderful.”

Now, Sara has hope for a bright future. She has the stability she was searching for and a home to raise her kids in, as well as lasting relationships with her Neighboring Volunteers.