The Importance of Family Ties

Damarys Lares, one of our Junior Case Managers, recently talked to a new client named Maria Hernandez.

Maria is 38 years old, and was born in Michoacan, Mexico. Years ago, Maria moved to the United States and began working in the sewing industry. Things were going well for her until she lost her job in 2007, leaving her unable to pay the rent on her home. That’s when she was forced onto the street.

For most of our readers, loss of a job wouldn’t be the end of the road. Most of us have strong family connections that could keep us afloat until we found a solution. Sadly, Maria has no such connections. Her mother gave her away when she was just three years old.

Maria is a perfect example of the side of Skid Row that generally goes unnoticed. It is often assumed that Skid Row residents got themselves here through crime, drugs, violence, or mental illness. The sad truth is that many individuals wind up homeless because they lack the family and social connections that allow the rest of us to make it through hard times.

For someone without a solid network of family and friends, it doesn’t take much to end up on the street. One missed paycheck, one lost job, one injury, and suddenly things begin to spin out of control.

Luckily for Maria, the Urban Connection was here to help. She came to us looking for housing, and we were able to connect her with a provider. It wasn’t easy, though. Our Case Managers had to go to two different locations, fill out lots of paperwork, and work with the provider to make sure they had all the documentation they need. In the end, we were able to get her 90-day emergency housing through LAHSA, as well as a job interview at an apparel manufacturer. We were able to do this because of our connections in the community – connections that the average Skid Row resident just doesn’t have.

After she settled in, she came back to thank us for the help. Without the Urban Connection, Maria would be sleeping on the streets tonight. Maria’s story is a perfect example of why the Urban Connection is here – to provide the connections and resources that are desperately needed by those who are trying to get back on their feet. Congratulations, Maria! We wish you the best.

Damarys Lares, Junior Case Manager