Before NUMAS Haus, Olivia found herself in an unhealthy domestic relationship with her boyfriend of nine years. Olivia was struggling with her mental health and coping with the loss of her unborn child. Olivia struggled with the idea of leaving her boyfriend, because she knew that would put her family at risk of homelessness. After much contemplation, Olivia broke off the relationship and her and her two children, ages 7 and 5, were kicked out of their house.

At first, Olivia and her children “couch hopped”, staying with multiple different friends for short periods of time. Eventually, she was told she needed to find somewhere else for her family to live. Olivia felt scared, uncertain, and worried for her family’s safety. She called NUMAS Haus and thankfully was able to move in the next day.

When Olivia arrived at NUMAS Haus, she was surprised. It was nothing like she thought it would be. Olivia’s first thought of NUMAS Haus was that it was nothing like a typical homeless shelter. She was surprised to be able to have her own bedroom for her and her kids to have to themselves! Olivia stated, “it feels like a home, not a shelter,” giving her peace of mind living here with her children.

Olivia feels that NUMAS Haus has given her the opportunity to heal emotionally from her past. She only needs to worry about her children and herself here. Along with finding housing, it is important for Olivia to focus on her mental health and maintaining employment.

Throughout Olivia’s stay at NUMAS Haus so far, she has been able to start therapy for herself, find full-time employment after not working for almost a year, make her monthly car payments, pay off past unpaid bills, and give her and her children a safe and healthy living environment during the whole process. Olivia has also been able to connect with many other local resources that have helped her succeed and support her family. NUMAS Haus has given Olivia the chance to thrive, a place to live, and peace of mind knowing her family is safe.