Deanna, a mom of three little ones, moved into CGLH’s maternity housing program when she was 35 weeks pregnant. Before entering the program, she experienced years of housing instability following the birth of her children at the young ages of 13 and 18. Unfortunately, the years of housing instability ultimately led Deanna to become homeless. While trying to secure safe, permanent housing for herself and her two children, she decided it was best to have her children move in with family until she could establish a stable home.
Shortly after separating from her two children, Deanna discovered she was pregnant with her third child. A partner agency that works with homeless youth referred her to Life House, and she met with our staff and was able to set a move-in date, knowing the birth of her baby was quickly approaching. A few days after Deanna moved into the program, she gave birth to a baby girl named Zy’Ariana. Even though her baby came five weeks earlier than expected, she was born with no medical issues and only had to spend twelve hours in the NICU. Mom and baby were released from the hospital a few days later, and they were both able to get settled into the Life House.
Now, only a few weeks postpartum, Deanna has already begun working towards her short-and long-term goals. She is actively looking for employment and plans to start working once her baby is six weeks old. She is working towards spending more time with her other two children, who are not currently in her care, and ultimately obtaining safe, affordable housing for herself and all her children. Deanna is also re-enrolling in school and plans to graduate with her high school diploma in 2024.
How has CGLH made an impact on you and your family?
“I am no longer street-bound homeless; my daughter and I have a place to be where I can reach my goals to get on my feet and maintain a stable lifestyle. I have a support system and people around me who can help me and guide me in the right direction.”
What is one thing you would like our community supporters to know about the LifeHouse?
“The Life House is an amazing place. They help women who are in need and guide them in the right direction to maintain a stable lifestyle and be able to live on their own and achieve things in life.”
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