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From Homeless to Stably Housed

Alabama Rural Coalition for the Homeless

When 22 year old Jarmel and 27 year old Tamika Austin came to ARCH seeking assistance to locate housing and supportive services to include case management; they were unemployed and literally homeless living in a motel. This family had suffered tremendously when Jarmel lost his job. Within a matter of months they were evicted from their trailer and found themselves without any family and friends to turn to for support. The Department of Human Resources removed the children from the hotel and placed them with family members.

Working closely with the local DHR office the ARCH case manager, Ramonde Johnson was determined to help this family “rebuild their life”. Targeting a place for them to live in Wilcox County was not an option, the Austin’s realized that they would have to start over and try to regain their self worth and ultimately their family. However, due to no income the Austin’s had no way to come up with deposits or first month’s rent. Via its Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program (HPRP) ARCH relocated this family to neighboring Dallas County and assisted them with a security deposit, rental assistance, utility assistance and case management. The ARCH staff pitched in and helped this family with two baby beds and clothing. This was the first of many accomplishments this family would make over the next few months.

It was no surprise that having a safe, decent and affordable home was going to lead this young couple on a full life transformation and provide them with the peace of mind to focus on regaining custody of their children and ultimately rebuilding their lives. More importantly, this couple’s own self determination and the vivid picture of six beautiful children who relied on them kept them focused on the “housing stability plan” provided by their HPRP case manager. ARCH kept DHR well informed of this families progress in the HPRP program. Eventually, because of their hard work and willingness to succeed the Austin’s were reunited with their six children.

By entering the HPRP program, The Austin’s were able to be housed, to begin working on budgeting, and eventually gain employment. Since being on the program, the Austin’s have been able to create a savings account, create and follow a workable budget, and is within a couple months of being fully sustainable and able to graduate the HPRP program as a SUCCESS! The ARCH HPRP program was the key to the Austin’s being able to move out of homelessness and into housing and ultimately housing stability.

The Austin’s enjoy spending time with their children (Aaliyah 8, Erica 7, Xavier 5, Jarmel 2, Carlicia 16 months, Alicia 16 months) at the local library; both Jarmel and Tamika are enrolled in GED classes.

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