A Family's Journey to Housing

When a series of devastating losses struck one Detroit family, they found themselves facing an impossible situation. The mother had lost her job due to company cutbacks, followed by the heartbreaking deaths of three close family members—her aunt, grandmother, and mother—within a short period. As if these challenges weren't enough, their rent suddenly doubled from $785 to $1,500. 

The combination of grief, unemployment, and an unaffordable rent increase left the family with no choice but to move into a hotel. For six months, they lived in temporary accommodations, eventually losing their vehicle when hotel payments took priority over car payments. 

Desperate for help, the mother searched online for housing resources and discovered the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Detroit's Journey to Housing program. "She was at her lowest point when she found us," recalls a program coordinator. "But she was determined to rebuild for her children." 

Over the next six months, the family worked closely with a financial coach to develop budgeting skills and received counseling support to process their losses. Staff, volunteers, and visiting nuns provided both practical guidance and spiritual encouragement throughout their journey. 

In October, the family moved into permanent housing. Today, they continue to apply the financial management skills and coping strategies learned through Journey to Housing, building toward long-term stability and independence.