Three years ago, Maria made the brave decision to leave her abusive husband. She had no money, job, car or family. Maria learned about NEWS (Domestic Violence & Sexual Abuse Services) and she refers to her NEWS case worker, Alejandra, one of her angels.
NEWS referred Maria to Napa Valley Community Housing (NVCH)’s Home Sharing Match-Up program where she met Blanca, the Home Sharing Coordinator, who Maria also calls her angel.
Blanca first matched Maria with a home which didn’t require rent in exchange for the care of an elder. Eventually, the gentleman died; Blanca then matched Maria with a home which charged rent but didn’t require any of Maria’s services. Maria was able to pay for rent since she is now working at the Immigration Institute of the Bay Area (IIBA) as a bi-lingual Administrative Assistant.
Fast forward to Blanca’s third Home Sharing match for Maria who now lives in a home which has reduced rent in exchange for assistance with a person with mild dementia.
Maria’s goals are to save money, get a place of her own and give back to the community, especially women in abusive relationships. “It’s a personal struggle and you can do it!”
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