ONE TRAGIC EVENT AWAY

Sometimes, the threat of becoming homeless is just one tragic event away. In January 2021, Sasha’s fiancé Kevin passed away unexpectedly.

“I wasn’t working at the time. Kevin was making our house payments and we always got by. I had some savings, but it wouldn’t be enough. Things were so chaotic, and I was panicked,” explained Sasha. “I didn’t want to lose our home on top of losing Kevin. I have a daughter in 8th grade and a son in kindergarten, and I thought, ‘What am I going to do?’”

The Oconomowoc resident was determined to find help and stumbled across Family Promise of Waukesha County during an internet search.

After discussing her challenges with the case worker, Sasha was able to receive financial assistance to help pay her mortgage for three months and repair bill for her car.

“It was such a big help. It gave me a minute to catch my breath and regroup. Someone from Family Promise would call me once or twice a week to see how we were doing. They went above and beyond, and the personal connection was comforting,” she added.

This fall, Sasha started her new job with Aramark food service at the Oconomowoc Area School District.

“My job is great because it works out with my kids’ school schedules, and I can be there when they get home. Things are getting better.”

Thank you to Rebecca Seymour for interviewing and writing Sasha's story.