A disabled veteran who became homeless after serving her country.

Sara has suffered from episodic homelessness for the past four years. As a disabled veteran who became homeless after serving her country, she was having a difficult time finding a landlord who would lease to her. Sara stayed at the Salvation Army’s overflow shelter for a few months and worked with a case manager to try and find part-time work to supplement her low, fixed income. She was then referred to Associated Ministries to receive help.

Associated Ministries was able to help Sara secure housing through our Rapid Re-Housing program; which helps individuals and families transition from homelessness to stability. The need for affordable housing in Pierce County is enormous and the housing market is currently very competitive. This makes it difficult to locate housing opportunities for those with higher barriers. To address this issue, Associated Ministries works diligently to develop and preserve relationships with landlords in the community for the benefit of people like Sara.

Because Sara remained persistent, resilient and solution-focused throughout the process, we were able to work with BCI properties and Sara’s case manager to secure affordable housing for her. Associated Ministries provided the assistance, guidance and encouragement Sara needed to help change the course of her life and set her on the path to self-sufficiency. That is what building stronger communities is all about!