Client Story: Mikayla

Mikayla’s hardship began when she had to leave her current job to better support her oldest child, who has a developmental disability. During this period, the family had a new challenge to face. Mikayla’s husband had to leave his job due to a workplace injury. Since he was unable to work, the family lost both forms of income within a month of one another.

Happy family of five walks along a rocky shore, with parents on either side as they hold their children’s hands.

Mikayla had been working odd jobs, and her husband quickly found a new position, but the missed income hit the family harder than anticipated. As a family with 3 kids, the pair had to do everything in their power to ensure their children had comfortable, healthy lives.

As Mikayla explored their options for community assistance, she stumbled upon Jesse Tree, and chose to reach out to the Tenant Resource Center. After a brief time on the waiting list, Mikayla and her family were connected with their Jesse Tree case manager. Jesse Tree case management includes budgeting with the family, ensuring that the household can afford rent going forward. The household was connected to food pantries and other community resources while awaiting the payment of past due rent. After Jesse Tree was able to make the payment on Mikayla’s past due rent, the family was able to get back on their feet. Mikayla and her husband are now more stable and have the income to make ends meet.