Client Testimonials

From Homeless to Hope: A Mother’s Journey to Stability Through the Provisions of Housing & Employment

In March of 2023, a 43-year-old single mother of three children, ages 3, 6, and 12, who were living out of a vehicle and fleeing a domestic violence situation from Georgia, contacted the agency for help. Through our CSBG and LIHEAP funding, the agency was able to move them from a vehicle to an apartment to help her establish a residence, secure her utilities, and enable her to have the ability to look for and secure a job to promote her and her children’s self-sufficiency. Since the client’s initial encounter with us we have been able to work with her and she is now employed as a 911 operator and getting control of her life again.

Weatherization Brings New Life to a Senior’s Home

One of the weatherization teams encountered a senior client whose home was in terrible disrepair. She had recently lost her spouse and was experiencing some health challenges. Our weatherization team, along with Dominion Energy, weatherized the home, replaced her roof and HVAC system, and repaired some of the exterior of the house. Because of the partnership, the client now lives in a home that is cool during the summer and warm during the winter. We used several funding sources to complete this project. This was a great community project that provided much-needed assistance to a senior citizen.

Opening Doors to Opportunity: Affordable Housing for Families In Need

In 2023, one Community Action Agency acquired four units of rental housing that were made available to 4 families at or below the area median income. The families could not afford housing at current market rates in Charleston. This housing opportunity ensured safe, affordable housing for these families and helped them on the path to self-sufficiency.

Building Financial Stability: Empowering Families for a Secure Housing Future

An agency’s housing stability program aimed to provide education and financial assistance to alleviate the housing crisis caused by the inflation of housing costs due to the growing population. This program encourages clients to establish a savings account for future emergencies and teaches them budgeting and money management skills. The program features the income management component to help families stabilize by decreasing debt, increasing credit scores, and saving for emergencies and/or housing. The program was a great success; 9 of the 13 individuals successfully completed the program and are on their way to living a more stable life.

Conclusion

These programs and partnerships are designed to improve the lives of our clients, thereby improving the communities we assist, including the economic well-being of our state. Our programs are high-impact, fiscally responsible programs that align with American values of self-reliance, free enterprise, and local decision-making. By supporting Community Action Agencies (CAAs) through the State, we ensure that hard-working American families have access to the opportunities they need to thrive, while also promoting local economic growth and reducing government dependency.