“I’m Not Worried Anymore”: Claudia’s Story

“I’m not worried anymore. I’m not scared anymore.”

These are the words of Claudia, who has experienced LIFE’s many ups and downs. She finally found a safe home at ICCF’s Southgate Senior Living Community in her 70s.

Born in Georgia, Claudia has lived in Grand Rapids since 1998 and fell on hard times around the start of the pandemic. After periodically experiencing homelessness for two years, she was referred to ICCF’s Rapid Rehousing program. Our staff members were able to help her find a local apartment to rent. However, Claudia struggled to use her walker on the three flights of stairs up to her third floor apartment. She found it hard to get help when she was sick. She needed her children’s help just to take out her trash.

In 2022, construction on ICCF’s Southgate Senior Living Community was in full swing. Our housing advocates asked Claudia if she would like to be added to the waiting list, to which she enthusiastically agreed. In June 2023, she was finally able to get an apartment at the Southgate and gain peace of mind. Her new living community has an elevator, a trash chute, a fully accessible building, onsite staffing, and a welcoming community. Claudia continues to express gratitude for her new home where she enjoys spending time with her neighbors, learning how to use her new washer and intercom, and having her kids and grandkids visit – no trash hauling required.

We thank God that Claudia is in a home that meets her needs. At the same time, we acknowledge that LIFE is full of barriers for so many of our neighbors. The housing market does not accommodate all ages, abilities, or incomes. ICCF Community Homes is working to help remove these barriers so that more people like Claudia can find their home. Faithful donors like you allow us to serve neighbors still searching for a place to call home.

Please consider giving a gift to provide housing solutions for more neighbors like Claudia working their way HOME.

Don’t miss our interactive Advent calendar this December, which highlights barriers that neighbors like Claudia face and how you can help provide solutions.