EUMA's The Refuge Stabilized My Family's Future
Growing up homeless, Consuelo experienced the challenges of instability firsthand. However, she was determined to break the cycle and provide a better future for her eight children. In September 2004, facing uncertainty and hardships, Consuelo and her family found sanctuary within the walls of EUMA's The Refuge, a shelter for families with children experiencing homelessness.
EUMA Staff welcomed Consuelo and her children with open arms. She recalls feeling very nervous to have her large family at the emergency shelter. Still, the staff made her feel at ease. They even celebrated their most memorable Christmas at EUMA. She fondly recalls her three youngest children nestling close to her while the other kids pulled the mattresses off their beds to be closer to Mom in their room.
While Consuelo searched for a permanent space for her family to reside, there were many difficulties because most landlords would not allow such a large family in their space. Through the help of EUMA staff, she finally reached a local landlord, Alice Hannold, who graciously met and listened to Consuelo's story. Alice sat at the dining room table and played board games with her children during their meeting. Alice explained that she was nervous to offer her housing but, after meeting Consuelo's children and seeing how they interacted, she realized they deserved a place to call home.
Upon exiting the program, she received a start-up kit with furniture, pots, pans, new clothes, cleaning supplies, bathroom necessities, and more. Mr. and Mrs. Dollax, loyal EUMA Volunteers, assisted Consuelo and her children during this move. In addition, her church family surrounded her with love and support for her children. These EUMA volunteers and The Refuge staff worked together to help her make the transition from homelessness to having a home as a single mother. Consuelo shared, "Their help was crucial to my success."
Through Consuelo's hard work, perseverance, and the support of her community, she was able to overcome the challenges faced and achieve her goal of stable housing. Today, she proudly shares that all of her children have graduated from school, found employment, and built successful lives for themselves. She has become a first-time homeowner, an active church member, and a loving grandmother to 21 grandchildren. Currently, her goal is to write her first book on her experience of homelessness and her lived experiences as a single African American mother.
Consuelo with her children and grandchildren.
Conselo and family at graduation for family member
“I can never say thank you enough times for the way we were loved and embraced from day one. We didn’t have to even ask, the staff walked alongside us the entire way through."
