Maria is a determined, single mom whose landlord raised the monthly rent rate, and she simply could not keep up. She was not able to find daycare so she could not secure a full-time job and was ultimately evicted from her home. When she arrived at HOPE’s doorstep in June, she had been “couch surfing”, staying at different friends’ homes, while looking for a permanent solution. HOPE’s social work team got right to work helping Maria think outside the box. Through our weekly mentoring Bounce Back Program, Maria was able to receive financial education, groceries from our Healthy Choice Pantry, and assistance with her bills. Her first goal was to get a full-time job to save enough for her deposit at a new apartment. Maria completed her goal, and now has a full-time job working remotely which is flexible enough that she can take care of her child.  She is so proud of the fact that she was able to fully pay the housing deposit herself. Self-sufficiency often takes time, effort, and a little boost from HOPE.