In August 2020, Angela enrolled in the HCRP Program at Lifeline, Inc. This program provides emergency rental assistance to the homeless population in Lake County. The assistance can include security deposit, an average of three months of rent, and utility deposits/arrears.

After struggling with conflict and unhealthy relationships, Angela and her two-year old daughter began residing at a homeless shelter. Upon her arrival at the shelter, she learned about the HCRP Program and was referred to Lifeline for assistance. Once her referral was received, Angela met with Program Coordinator, Angela Wrana to complete an intake appointment and immediately began her housing search. Shortly thereafter, Angela was able to secure safe and affordable housing for herself and her daughter.

“Lifeline has literally changed my entire life,” said Angela. “When I heard about the program, I cried tears of joy. I couldn’t believe it. This program has given me so much hope. I can’t even put it into words. Every night I thank the Creator for this opportunity. It is truly an answered prayer that I am receiving a helping hand, in achieving my goals. It finally feels like someone believes in me, and I couldn’t be more grateful. I have struggled with homelessness repeatedly throughout my life. As a young adult, I worked two to three jobs at a time to secure housing, and still found it to be challenging. I have never been one to coast by in life or go without a job. Over the last sixteen years I have had my fair share of ups and downs with good jobs and bad jobs, but I have never been idle. I worked hard, but it never seemed to be enough. It always seemed like I was getting nowhere in life, like I was just spinning my wheels no matter how hard I tried.”

Throughout this period of homelessness for Angela, she remained constant in her educational goal and is a full-time nursing student. Her goal is to become a Registered Nurse and work within labor and delivery.

“I am extremely impressed with Angela’s motivation and determination to establish a career and provide a financially stable future for herself and her daughter,” said Wrana.

“Growing up I never had much encouragement when it came to my success,” explains Angela. “My parents did not put money aside for me to go to college. I was the only child of four to graduate from high school. I never really knew for sure what kind of career I would have, or where I would go in life. What I did know was, if I ever had a child, I knew their life would be different. I knew I would give them everything I possibly could. I made a promise to myself as a little girl to never let a child of mine, ever go through what I went through.”

“I desperately want to give my child the very best in life. To stay true to the promise I made myself decades ago, I knew I would need a reliable career to support my child. That is when I decided to become a nurse. I attempted nursing school once before, around eleven years ago, but I was unsuccessful. At the time I was overwhelmed with the trauma of a domestic violence attack and left the nursing program. I knew this time would be different.  I didn’t have an option to quit because it was no longer about me. When I told my relatives the news, that I was going back to school, they all seemed to be more concerned about my failure than my success. Most of them were worried I would get myself into a lot of debt, and not complete the program. This weighed me down quite a bit, but I didn’t let it stop me. I had no idea how I was going to make it through nursing school, with no income or support. I had no idea how I would provide for my child and be a full-time student, but I knew I was going to do it no matter what.”

Upon her successful completion of the HCRP Program, Angela went on to enroll in the Supportive Housing Program at Lifeline, Inc. Supportive Housing provides both rental assistance and case management support to Lake County adults who are enrolled in school. Angela will continue to work closely with Wrana on budgeting skills, goal achievement and linkage with additional community resources as needed. This will allow Angela to focus on her education and learn how to better save so that she can be self-sufficient once she has completed the program.

When asked how she felt about her enrollment in the HCRP Program, Angela responds, “The most helpful part of this program has been the support I have received, both financially and personally from the staff at Lifeline. I finally feel like someone believes in me and is willing to invest in helping me become more independent and achieve my goals. My life has dramatically changed for the better since being enrolled in the program. I have found a beautiful, safe, little home for my child and I couldn’t ask for more. I feel so supported and encouraged as a single mother. I just wanted to say, that words cannot express my gratitude for this opportunity and I am overwhelmed with feelings of hope for my future. HCRP has given me and my child a fresh start and a new lease on life. Thank you!”