From Unhoused to Home: A Story of Perseverance and Partnership

This is the story of a single mother who refused to give up. For privacy, we’ll call her Mary.

Mary is a hardworking mother of two—her 10-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter. She had been unhoused for nearly three years. Life had unfolded into a series of uncertainties, and while she tried to hold on to stability, she found herself moving from place to place, eventually paying week-to-week for a room at an Extended Stay in Maitland.

“Before The Tree House Foundation, I was staying in a hotel, paying everything I had week to week. It was getting to the point where I just didn’t have enough. I was applying for apartments and getting let down for different reasons,” Mary shared. “Before the hotel, I was staying here and there.”

Despite the setbacks, Mary never gave up hope. She secured full-time employment with Sevita Health, working in a group home to support her children and rebuild her life.

“Mary was determined and hopeful of change. She was ready for something better.”

From that point forward, several organizations worked together to support her. Applications were submitted to the Christian Service Center and The Tree House Foundation. Though one door closed, another opened.

“Ms. Brooke went out of her way to help me—even though she didn’t know me,” Mary said. “She showed me real compassion and truly loves what she does. She showed me that there is hope and a light at the end of the tunnel.”

The Tree House Foundation's Executive Director, Brooke Sammons, connected Mary with three housing opportunities from apartment communities with long-standing relationships with the Foundation. At the same time, Ms. Sammons successfully secured additional financial support from Catholic Charities.

On Friday, April 4th, Mary received the keys to her three-bedroom apartment. For the first time in years, she and her children have a home of their own.

“With the help of The Tree House Foundation, I was able to get into a three-bedroom apartment. I’m so happy that my children and I finally have a place we can call home. Thank you for this opportunity!”

Her rent is now affordable, but the security and joy of having a stable home is priceless.

Mary’s journey is a beautiful reminder of what’s possible when perseverance meets partnership.

To everyone who played a role in this journey—thank you. Your collaboration and compassion made all the difference.

Want to help more families like Mary’s?

Become a donor, volunteer, or partner today at www.thetreehousefoundation.org. Let’s keep opening doors—together.