Keeping the Faith in the Face of Adversity

No one can predict the hardships they may face throughout their life. Each day brings an opportunity to experience unexpected twists and turns. Many unforeseen and unpredictable factors can completely change our lives, from family trauma to sudden natural disasters. Sometimes a combination of setbacks comes one after another, giving an overwhelming feeling and making it seem impossible to catch up.

When facing setbacks with a fighting spirit, Stephanean Jones knows firsthand what it means to keep the faith - even when there is no plan. With her untamable hustle-like nature, Stephanean is a determined woman who triumphs in the face of adversity. But she hasn’t always been as confident and sure of herself.

Adjusting To Being A Newly Single Parent

In 2016, after thirteen years of marriage, Stephanean divorced her husband and became a single parent of two young boys. She was quickly faced with making financial decisions, running a household, and taking on the full responsibilities of raising her children while balancing work. She was determined to make ends meet and provide the best life possible for her two boys. But after a couple of years, life as a single parent became overwhelming, and the lack of finances and support caught up with her.

One evening in 2018, while inside her home, Stephanean overheard noises outside and discovered that her car was being repossessed. While she knew the repossession of her car was imminent, the reality of losing her transportation brought new stress levels to her life. She immediately made plans with friends to arrange a ride to work the following day.

Morning came after a restless night, and a knock came from someone at her front door while she was getting her boys ready for school and herself for work. Stephanean reluctantly opened the door to be served an eviction notice. Trying to pay what she could towards rent, the landlord refused to accept any payment, and she was given a few days to vacate the apartment. With this second setback in less than 24 hours, Stephanean had to reevaluate her options and make some changes.

Through these challenges, Stephanean realized the importance her family played in her life, and the love and support of family is something no amount of money can buy. Her family rallied to help pack boxes and move Stephanean and her boys out of the apartment and in with her mother for what she hoped would be a short-term arrangement. Although determined to make the new living situation work, Stephanean soon became depressed, losing her motivation in life. Because of her lack of determination, she was soon let go from her job.

However, living with her mother, Stephanean, and her boys made the best of the situation. She found various short-term jobs to help make ends meet and in November 2018, Stephanean completed a Home of Hope application after learning about the various housing programs offered.

A Door Opens To Renewed Hope

Almost a year later, Stephanean received an email from Homes of Hope stating that her application had been reviewed and housing options could become available soon. With the news of her reviewed application, Stephanean decided to make a personal visit to Homes of Hope to update her application. Since her initial application, she had become a full-time employee at the Blood Connection and wanted to share these updates with the Homes of Hope Director of Housing and Property Management. Although initially hesitant to meet face-to-face with a Homes of Hope staff member because of her past, she was pleased with how the Homes of Hope staff accepted her. “I loved how transparent they were with me,” she said.

Shortly after her meeting, Stephanean received the news she had been selected to move into a Homes of Hope home. She and her boys were absolutely ecstatic. For the first time in many years, Stephanean felt her family’s life was turning around for the better, offering newfound independence and confidence. “It’s a home to be comfortable in and we could be a family, “ she said.

Building Blocks For A Successful Financial Future

Once settled into her new home, Stephanean took advantage of financial coaching through our client resource department. The six-week Adulting 101 course helped her understand budgeting and build better financial habits. She learned the importance of prioritizing needs over wants and how quickly people can get into financial trouble if budgets aren’t followed monthly for long-term success. Reflecting on the skills she’s learned, Stephanean said, “Rather than being too worried about where you need to end up, it’s important to be able to take stock of what’s going on now. Attack things in segments, building up to the overall end goal of financial stability.”

A Program To Lean On

In March 2022, Stephanean suffered a heart attack just three months into a new job. Her heart attack left her more financially insecure than she had been in a long time. Still, she credits the Homes of Hope staff and programs with giving her the tools she needed to maintain a positive attitude. Today, Stephanean continues to improve her health and life daily through the support and life skills she learned from the Homes of Hope programs.

The affordable housing offered by Homes of Hope isn’t just about having a house; our homes allow families to have better access to education and career opportunities. Having a home provides peace and security. It builds confidence, selfreliance, and a positive mindset to sustain success and build long-term growth. Affordable housing gives a sense of belonging and makes our community better.

At Homes of Hope we offer services to help housing clients pursue financial wellness and curate tools and resources that can be life changing. Stephanean is an inspiring example of someone that has overcome multiple challenges and hardships in her life. She says, “I don’t know where I would be if not for Homes of Hope. This organization has helped me keep my finances together and afford this lovely home. I’m so grateful.”