This request is for urgent rental assistance for a mother who has demonstrated significant progress in stabilizing her life and reuniting with her 11-year-old son following previous involvement with DCFS. After completing her services with DCFS and regaining custody, mother maintained a safe and nurturing environment for her son for the past seven months. Mother is currently employed at a small packing company; however, recent reductions in hours—combined with the unexpected burden of a medical bill and necessary car repairs—have severely impacted her ability to meet rent obligations.
Mother currently resides in a converted garage, the only available shelter for her and her child. She has fallen behind on rent for June and is unable to pay for July, putting her at imminent risk of eviction. Without immediate assistance, the family faces displacement and possible homelessness. The mother would be forced to live in her car with her 11-year-old son, a circumstance that would jeopardize the child’s safety and emotional well-being. Stable housing is critical to maintaining a secure, structured environment for the child who has already experienced prior disruptions.
By resolving this emergency housing need, the mother can focus on increasing work hours, addressing basic needs, and continuing to parent effectively. This support will help prevent a housing crisis that could threaten the permanency of the child’s placement and the mother’s reunification success. Thank you.