‘My kids give me purpose:’ Former Nazareth Resident Finds Permanent Housing and Hope for a Brighter Future

In just a few short weeks, Paula, a former resident of Catholic Charities Nazareth Family Shelter, is due to give birth to a baby boy.  

Thanks to the strong support system she found at Nazareth over the last year, Paula recently signed a lease for permanent housing. When her baby is born, she’ll bring him home to a warm, safe apartment that she can call her own. 

“I have never had my own place,” said Paula. “I am grateful to Nazareth. They have helped me a lot.” 

Paula first became a mother at age 17. She longed for an apartment of her own, away from the family tensions and frequent fighting she experienced at home where she lived with her sister and her sister’s family. 

After moving out, Paula struggled to find permanent housing in an increasingly expensive housing market while trying to maintain a job and afford childcare for her two young daughters. 

“I was very relieved when I got the call from Nazareth that there was an open room but was also nervous because I didn’t know what to expect,” said Paula, who moved into Nazareth in November 2023. 

Within a few weeks of moving in, the adjustment became easier. Paula began to make friends with residents and found a support system among the staff, who helped her with everything from sending out housing applications to providing pep talks to enrolling her children in daycare.  

“We know that this is transitional housing,” said Nazareth Director, Ruby Brown. “But we want to make it as welcoming and comfortable as possible while residents are here.” 

Having lived at Nazareth for just under a year, Paula said she and her daughters will miss the other families and the staff members, who have provided them with a stable community during an uncertain time. Nonetheless, she says as long as she has her children by her side, she has everything she needs as she enters this next chapter of life. 

“Being a mom has changed me,” said Paula. “After I had my daughter, everything started to make sense. There were times in my life I didn’t want to be here, but I have a purpose – my kids give me purpose.” 

To learn more about how you can support clients like Paula, visit our Ways to Give page.