The Salvation Army Bloom Initiative helps young woman survive human trafficking
When Bloom first engaged with *Lucy, she had been recently released from incarceration and was experiencing homelessness and struggling with addiction. Bloom worked with Lucy to connect her to shelter and supportive services. Lucy would stop by the drop-in center to socialize and eat lunch and eventually entered substance abuse treatment.
At the beginning of the COVID pandemic, Lucy completed her treatment program and went into transitional recovery housing. This time was full of uncertainty and presented many challenges living in a congregate setting. While in the housing program, Lucy contracted and recovered from COVID-19. During her stay at the recovery house, Lucy worked on obtaining safe and stable housing. Her housing search was impeded by a criminal record, poor credit, and no rental history. Lucy did not have income and had health concerns that prevented her from finding employment.
Photo has been changed to protect identity
Finally, we were able to match Lucy with a rapid re-housing program which will help her pay a portion of the rent for a year. She worked diligently to find an apartment while taking into consideration her recovery needs. The pandemic was causing a housing crisis which made the housing search even harder. Our Survivor Support Specialist met with her each week, providing support and ongoing case management during this difficult time.
Lucy’s hard work and determination to make a better life for herself and her son, who is disabled, paid off when she moved into her new apartment in February 2021 after being homeless for more than three years. She was reunited with her son and has resumed primary caregiver responsibilities. Lucy continues to work with our Survivor Support Specialist to apply for assistance programs that will help her meet her basic needs while she works on long term housing goals.
* Name and photo changed to protect identity