Impact Story: Zara Doesn’t Give Up!
Just a couple of years ago, a young, pregnant Zara and her 2-year-old son lived in a car on the streets of St. Johns County and faced a grim, uncertain future.
A referral from St. Johns Care Connect brought her to the Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County.
Today, she, her 4-year-old son, and her 2-year-old daughter are thriving in affordable, safe, and stable housing with supportive services on the Homeless Coalition’s 5-acre campus.
Her Challenge
Young mother in her early 20s and pregnant
Unemployed
Living in car
Arrived at Homeless Coalition
In 2020
With no income
No diploma
Her Achievements by December 2022
Attained and maintained employment
Utilized community resources to establish budget and sustain housing stabilization
Started GED Preparation at Learn to Read of St. Johns County
Aiming for education in Homeopathic Medicine
You Can Help Create More Homeless Success Stories Like This One
Donations help provide safe & decent housing and critical supportive services that can make a difference in the lives of this vulnerable population.
Zara’s Story
When approached to share her inspiring story on overcoming homelessness, Zara was at first reluctant.
I don’t feel my story is worthy because I have so much more to accomplish in my life.
While Zara may appear a shy, young mother in her early 20s, she’s already shown a remarkable determination to overcome hurdles and undertake the steps necessary to build a resilient, and successful life for herself and her young children.
Her Need for Safe & Stable Housing
In 2020, an anxious Zara found herself pregnant and living in a car with her 2-year-old son and the children’s father. She and the father were in an unstable relationship.
As a young homeless family, Zara, her son, and her unborn daughter faced an uncertain future.
- Lack of a permanent address makes it a challenge to gain employment.
- Homeless mothers and their families are more likely to fall and remain under the poverty line due to lack of work or reduction of work hours resulting in fluctuation of income.
- Lack of affordable housing is one of the leading contributors to chronic homelessness, which is especially prevalent for young, homeless mothers.
Through a referral from St. Johns Care Connect, Zara found an affordable housing solution in one of the 23 cottages located on the Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County’s 5-acre campus in West Augustine.
Her relationship with the children’s father ended a couple of months after arriving at the homeless coalition.
Attaining Resilience & Economic Mobility
Living on the Homeless Coalition’s campus in safe, stable, and affordable housing opened new opportunities for her.
By having the security of stabilized housing, Zara had the confidence to attain a job at a local grocery store, where she has worked for two years.
She found help when she needed it through the agency’s supportive services.
Working with a Homeless Coalition case manager and St. Johns County Social Services, Zara was able to establish a budget, make rent payments, and develop a payment plan to consistently pay her rent and bills.
The Homeless Coalition’s food pantry provided groceries and baby items she needed for her family as she worked to establish her financial independence.
At the Homeless Coalition, my family and I have found a community. It’s given my children a place to grow up.
It’s been a place where I can become independent, financially secure, and be a better mother.
Moving Forward
Today, Zara looks forward to a promising future for herself and her children.
Her 4-year-old son will soon start school.
She is currently working with Learn to Read in St. Johns County in preparation to attain her GED.
Afterward, she plans on getting an education in homeopathic medicine.
A major goal in her future would be to move beyond Homeless Coalition supportive housing and attain affordable permanent housing of her own in St. Johns County.
“I have enjoyed working with Zara. I have watched her grow.
Zara went through a really hard time a couple of years ago when she had a difficult time paying rent and experienced other life challenges. But she didn’t give up!
She got a job, worked the payment plan and her budget, and is taking the steps needed to build a better life.
Zara’s Advice to Homeless Coalition Residents
Become a part of the community and get to know the office staff.
They are here to be helpful. They are understanding. They can help you achieve your goals.
Be a Part of the Solution to End Homelessness for Families in St. Johns County
Donations can help us provide safe & decent housing and critical supportive services that can make a difference in the lives of this vulnerable population.
About Us
Since 1998, the Homeless Coalition has served the county’s most vulnerable families by:
Providing Safe & Decent Homes
Cottages on a 5-Acre Campus in West Augustine.
Helping Families Build Skills
%
Families Maintained Income and/or Received Raises
Providing Education Programs
%
Tutored children improved grades
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