For Destiny and her three young children, life has new meaning after finding the Family Assessment Center (FAC) in Kaka‘ako.

In August, Destiny and her three children (ages 2,5 and 9) entered the Family Assessment Center after struggling with homelessness for nearly a year. The family moved to various homes and was at the mercy of their hosts during this difficult journey. Sometimes they had to stay in a tiny 2 person tent in public parks and beaches. Destiny was determined to get herself and her children out of this terrible situation. Hardship was no stranger for Destiny and her family. She had already escaped a domestic violence relationship which had caused a lot of trauma and pain. At the time of the abuse, the offender was the bread winner so she was left with nothing but her kids and a broken heart.

While at the FAC she was able to address some of her trauma. She worked diligently, and with some encouragement and support, she started to take control of her destiny. She worked with HCAP employment services to complete a resume and shortly after that she utilized the First to Work program and landed a full-time job. She was also able to get child care after coordinating with Child Care Connections that comes to the FAC bi-weekly. She enrolled her entire family into counseling/therapy and then got the good news that she was accepted into housing which is close to her job and the kids school.

The family was housed in 91 days and has been able to sustain their housing. It always makes our team happy when they stop by and share how much they are loving their new home.