How United Way Helped Jessica Avoid Eviction
When her position as an art teacher was eliminated, Jessica scrambled to cover bills and rent. “It was absolutely terrifying,” she said. She took a service industry job to get by, but it wasn’t what she wanted to do long-term.
Her landlord told her about one of United Way’s innovative eviction prevention programs. She received not only back rent, but three month’s future rent to help her get back on her feet.
“It gave me the time I needed to get back on track,” said Jessica. Jessica now works for the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Mt. Vernon, the neighborhood she loves and calls home.
Like so many of our clients, Jessica’s will, tenacity, and strength got her through her challenges. She worked hard—during a hard time—to get additional assistance to cover her critical expenses, and used the time United Way gave her to get her life moving in the direction she wanted it to.
With the final spending of federal dollars that fueled this program, we’re proud to report that more than 14,000 households were served and we provided nearly $100 million in rental and utility bill assistance.