ACCESS Housing, Inc.

Family Futures: Family Success Stories

A Grandfather's Love: Insurmountable Devotion

As the sole care giver of three young grandchildren, Gilbert Roberts was faced with many obstacles, which he is gracefully overcoming with the help of ACCESS Housing. Read on to learn more about Gil’s inspiring story, which he shared with case manager, Alicia Aguilar.

"What brought you to ACCESS Housing?"
" I came to ACCESS because I did not have anywhere to go and I knew that ACCESS Housing would help me with my grand kids."

"How did ACCESS Housing help you?"
"ACCESS Housing staff helped me by opening their doors for us, giving us a place to live. The staff helped me by letting me know I was doing the right thing by my grand kids. They made me laugh when I couldn’t laugh, and they made me feel like a man. Also, they gave me family."

"What are you doing now?" "I am at home and looking at happy faces. I am getting on with my life and I am starting to feel good about what I can do."

"What are your goals for the next five years?"
"To help others that come into a thing like this. I know what it is like to be homeless with children. I’m going to let the homeless know what’s up."

"What would you say to other families in a situation like your’s?"
"Do what is right, don’t put yourself in a situation like this. Don’t give up because there is someone at ACCESS Housing that will help you, but you have to help yourself first."

Carla Stone

Carla Stone is a 44 year old single mother of 2, Madeline (15 yrs.) and Frank (13 yrs.), who came to ACCESS Housing in January 2004. Prior to her arrival, she and her husband owned a home in Brighton. After she and her husband separated, she struggled to pay the mortgage and bills. Despite her efforts to get help from county agencies, she had to sell the home to an investor to avoid foreclosure and bankruptcy. Carla rented her former home for a short while then decided to move to Kansas for a new start only to return to Colorado after 9 months. Back in Colorado, she and her children stayed with family but were asked to leave, as the house was too crowded. Carla contacted Mile High United Way 211 and was referred to ACCESS Housing. Two weeks after applying for shelter, Carla and her children moved in. With the help of Ryan, a shelter case manager, the family was given help with food, hygiene and other household needs. Carla began working with the Center for Work Education and Employment (CWEE) for a few months but while she was in shelter, she was able to obtain a job with the Adams County District 12 Five Star Schools as a lead custodian at a middle school. With ACCESS Housing's help Carla was able to stabilize her employment and get her kids in school. She also is working hard on trying to move into a higher position within the district. Never giving up on her dream to get back into her own home, she is currently taking homeownership classes with Adams County Housing Authority. She completes the program in two years.

Alice & Gerald

Domestic violence is among the most reported contributing factors for homelessness among applicants to ACCESS Housing. After enduring a long-standing abusive relationship, Alice and her 8-year old son, Gerald, met with ACCESS staff and were given a referral to one of our safe-house partners. She was depressed and overwhelmed with all she had been through. She had a part-time evening job but, since she had no car, she spent long hours on the bus going to and from work. With another referral from ACCESS, Alice received a used car through the Auto Purchase Program (sponsored by the Adams County Department of Social Services).

After completing her time at the safe-house, Alice was referred back to ACCESS for entry into one of our 2-year transitional housing programs, which provides holistic case management and rent assistance. She found a small but comfortable duplex and things began to settle down. A short time later, she was able to find a full-time customer service job close to her home. Gerald enrolled in a neighborhood school and mom and son felt safer and happier than they had in quite some time. Alice has graduated from our programs and is currently working and earning $12.00/hour. She has been able to pay off some overdue bills and bring her budget back in line. She is also paying rent on her own for the first time in many years. Alice reports that she is laying the groundwork to get into nursing school and is talking about the possibility of home ownership.

At ACCESS Housing, we promote family stability, personal and professional skills development and opportunities to enhance the quality of life for each family member by providing a comprehensive and holistic array of services. Alice utilized a full range of ACCESS Housing’s services to remove herself and her son from a violent relationship, to address their immediate needs, and to further her education and accomplish her occupational goals. We strive for every participant to use our services the way Alice and Gerald did.

Addleman Family Success

Tim and Tania Addleman came to ACCESS Housing in June 2006 seeking emergency housing for themselves and their three daughters. Originally from Philadelphia, the Addleman family moved to Aurora, Colorado and found themselves renting from a poor landlord who refused to make the necessary repairs to their home; it soon became unbearable and unfit to live in. The family faced many obstacles They had no income and no childcare. Determined to use their time in the shelter wisely, Tim found a job as a flagger while Tania continued to commute to Aurora to a part-time job and to study for her GED. In July 2006, the Addleman family was referred to the Home Again Family Support Program and in August 2006, they moved into a three-bedroom home in Commerce City.

Soon after their move, the family suffered a set back. Tim lost his job and Tania was forced to put school on hold to work full time. Despite the set back, the family united and supported Tim’s employment goals. He quickly completed a Hazardous Waste and Materials Handling Training course and began working as a temporary laborer using his new skills. A month later, he was offered a raise along with a full-time permanent position with the company. His new career has allowed Tania to return to school; she plans on pursuing a profession in public service once she acquires her GED diploma. With hard work and focus, Tim and Tania have been able to work on their goals and are a great example of how transitional housing works. In August 2008, they will move out of supportive housing and into a permanent home.