Story
A single mother has been facing financial difficulties for the past year after being laid off in January 2024 from an oil company, where she had been employed for 12 years. Prior to this role, she worked for the Harris County Clerk's Office for 13 years. She has exhausted her 401(k) savings to pay nine months' rent and received six months of unemployment benefits, which were not extended. Despite applying for jobs and attending interviews monthly, she has faced rejection due to being deemed overqualified or underqualified, receiving over 50 rejection emails.
Now facing eviction on March 5th after living in her apartment for seven years on a month-to-month lease, she feels overwhelmed. She has followed up with employers to inquire about her interview outcomes, often learning that her lack of SAP software experience was a deciding factor. She is seeking employment assistance and has contacted temporary staffing agencies but has not secured any job offers. Additionally, she urgently needs rent assistance, as her ex-partner owes over $17,000 in child support and does not help financially. Support in job leads and rent assistance would help her avoid eviction and regain stability for herself and her teen son.