New Year’s resolutions—promises to grow, achieve, and move forward. We all know them, and we all strive to achieve them.
For Sarah, her resolution wasn’t tied to the calendar. It was born out of necessity—an urgent desire to start over.
Sarah’s journey began with one powerful decision: enough was enough.
For years, she endured the unimaginable. The abuse was relentless, stripping her of the qualities that made her Sarah. But after one terrifying encounter landed her in the hospital, she knew it was time to make a change.
“This isn’t the life I want for my daughter,” she thought.
That moment of resolve brought her to House of Ruth. What began as a search for safety became a journey to financial empowerment and, ultimately, homeownership.
Safety and Stability
House of Ruth’s New Way transitional housing program became Sarah’s lifeline. Here, she found not only a secure place to stay but also a team of advocates who helped her find her footing. For the first time in years, Sarah could breathe, knowing she and her daughter were safe in an apartment.
But Sarah didn’t stop there.
She wanted more than survival—she wanted a future. So, when she transitioned to the Families First II program, she sat down with her case manager and began goal-setting:
- Increase her income.
- Build her credit.
- Buy a home.
Her desire to achieve homeownership was born from her determination to provide her daughter with a safe, stable environment.
Breaking the Cycle
House of Ruth connected Sarah with Lydia’s House, a Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-approved counseling agency serving Ward 8. Lydia’s House provided Sarah with the financial literacy and housing counseling she needed to pursue her dream of owning a home.
In the final stages of her journey with House of Ruth, Sarah transitioned to the Bridges program, which focuses on workforce development and financial empowerment. Through Bridges, Sarah received training in resume writing, interview preparation, and more. With newfound confidence and a professional outfit, Sarah applied for and secured a higher-paying position.
Determined to strengthen her financial foundation, Sarah also signed up for Money F/X, a financial literacy group offered through Bridges. With their guidance, she increased her credit score to an impressive 750—well above the 640 required to qualify for homeownership through the Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP).
In December 2024, Sarah achieved her ultimate goal: she closed on her first home. A dream that once seemed impossible was now her reality.
This January, Sarah has spent every moment turning her house into a home—a safe haven for her and her daughter, filled with the promise of a fresh start.
The Power of Community
Every step of Sarah’s journey—from finding safety to unlocking the door to her own home—was made possible by this community.
Through House of Ruth’s holistic services ranging from housing to counseling, we assist survivors reclaim their lives.
With your continued support, more survivors can write their next chapter, just like Sarah.
