Ryan, a single father, faced a crisis after a fire destroyed his home, leaving him and his 10-year-old son, Andrew, without stable housing. Recently separated from his long-term partner, Ryan struggled to support his family on a single income while Andrew dealt with the loss of a mother figure. The two found themselves sleeping in their car and on friends’ couches, as Ryan juggled a full-time job and Andrew’s schooling with little time to search for housing.

After reaching out to Mary’s Place, Ryan received assistance in creating a plan for immediate housing and long-term stability. The outreach team helped him develop a budget and identified affordable housing options near Andrew’s school, allowing him to maintain important routines. Despite having a job and insurance, Ryan could not afford the move-in costs for a new apartment following the fire. Thanks to the support of the Mary’s Place community, Ryan and Andrew received help with these expenses, giving them a fresh start. Ryan expressed gratitude, stating, “Mary’s Place has given me light at the end of this dark tunnel.”