Meet Aissa
(Photo by Nina K Photography)
Aissa has been working as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Maryland for over 8 years. Even with her steady income, finding an affordable place to live was a continuous struggle. After losing her housing and experiencing difficult medical issues, Aissa had nowhere to turn and began living out of her car.
For over a year, Aissa did her best to continue working while experiencing homelessness. With the limited number of rentals in the area and the high cost of rent, Aissa could not find an affordable option. She tried to keep up hope that the pieces would come together, but eventually the stress and exhaustion became debilitating. Her car was beginning to break down, her physical and mental health issues were becoming unmanageable, and she lost her job.
Aissa’s experience is one that many of our community members face. In fact, recent data shows that one in four of our neighbors who are employed right here in Anne Arundel County are unable to afford adequate food, rent, or healthcare.
Thankfully, a friend told Aissa about The Light House. With the help from the staff in our Light House Safe Harbour Resource Center, Aissa was finally able to find the care and support she needed. She met with a staff member who gave her a meal, new clothing, access to our free shower and laundry facilities, and case management services.
Aissa was soon able to move into the residential program at The Light House where she was provided with a safe place to sleep, food, and other vital wrap-around care. With the help of her Light House Client Advocate, Aissa was connected with counseling, medical care, and began working with The Light House Workforce Program. Aissa met regularly with our Workforce staff who helped her with resume writing, job applications, work clothing from our Community Closet, and even transportation to and from work. Aissa soon was hired at a new Certified Nursing Assistant position and was able to start building her life back up.
We are happy to report that Aissa recently moved into her very own apartment and expressed her gratitude for The Light House stating that “the staff was so supportive and caring and they helped me in so many ways. I couldn’t have done all this without them and I would recommend The Light House to anyone struggling.”
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Your support of The Light House ensures that our neighbors, like Aissa, have the life-changing programs and services they need to find their path back home.
