As a child and young adult, Jake faced more challenges than most, one of which was a lack of a safe and stable place to call home. Though he found support through a local program, his time with that program was coming to an end and he was looking toward a future with nowhere to live. That’s when Jake found Pathfinders.
Fast forward 16 months and Jake had finally reached a place of safety, stability, and independence with Pathfinders’s Supported Housing Program. Jake participated in weekly independent skill development, was seeing a therapist he trusted, and was working his dream job at a local electronics store.
Jake felt ready for his transition to adulthood, so a Pathfinders housing program graduation date was set.
Then, COVID-19 hit and Jake was laid off work. He filed for unemployment benefits but had heard nothing by the time his monthly rent was due. Feeling more anxious than ever, Jake turned to his Pathfinders case manager for support.
With the help of United Way funding, Pathfinders was able to extend Jake’s time with the program to help him regain a sense of stability. His monthly rent and utility subsidy continued, allowing him time to find another job. In-person home visits continued with safety precautions in place and Jake's case manager worked with him to identify community resources that could offer assistance.
Being a valued member of Pathfinders' Drop-In Center, Jake also returned to “the Drop,” visiting on a regular basis for support. There, he was able to do his laundry without cost, gather needed personal hygiene items, and connect with people who could offer him personal encouragement.
Today, Jake is stable again. He has regained employment, connected with new virtual and familiar in-person sources of support, and is ready to schedule a new graduation date with the Pathfinders Supported Housing program. Throughout a time of great uncertainty, he remained focused on his goals and knew he could always turn to Pathfinders.
Jake and Pathfinders remind us all that to live better, we must Live United.
Donations to United Way’s Community Fund support Pathfinders and other nonprofits in our community ensuring everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive. Consider supporting this important work with a donation to United Way’s Community Fund.
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