Bailey’s Story

The journey for Bailey and Donovan, a single mother and her 10-year-old son, had already been long when she walked into Upward Transitions with a 48-hour eviction notice in her hand. She was two months behind on her rent, and even though she had a new job, her paycheck wouldn’t be enough to pay the back rent. She had expended all of her resources and didn’t know where to turn. The thought of being homeless was overwhelming, and she couldn’t hold back the tears as she spoke with her case manager.

Her case manager patiently listened to her story and offered her reassurance that he would do all he could to stop the eviction and help her get caught up on her rent. After reviewing her monthly expenses and income to ensure her budget was manageable, he met her at her apartment to complete a health and safety inspection.

“The apartment was sparsely furnished but neat as a pin,” observed the case manager. “All they had was a worn-out sofa and two leaking air mattresses. They didn’t even have a table for meals.”

He noticed the message on the kitchen wall read, “The Journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” He knew Upward Transitions could help Bailey make giant strides on that journey.

The next day, he delivered two checks to the landlord to prevent Bailey and her son from being evicted and to pay the next month’s rent. He didn’t stop there. The thought of Bailey and Donovan sleeping on leaking air mattresses and eating their dinner on that worn-out sofa troubled him. He asked his CEO if there was anything more Upward Transitions could do.

Within a few moments and a handful of texts and emails later, Upward Transitions received a pledge to donate a dining table, sofa, and recliner along with enough money to purchase beds and bedding for both Bailey and her son.

Bailey said, “He [her case manager] was so easy to talk with and understanding of such an emotional situation.”  

The following week, Bailey and her son came to Upward Transitions to pick-up their new bedding. This time, there were no tears from Bailey, only smiles and laughter, along with hope for the journey ahead.