Despite receiving a regular paycheck, Maria was still struggling financially. Things took a turn for the worse in November 2008 when Maria's landlord increased her apartment's monthly rent. Maria could not afford the increase—already more than half her income went toward rent and utilities—and she was handed an eviction notice. After 15 years of living in her apartment, Maria suddenly faced the prospect of homelessness.
She returned to LIFT-Somerville in tears, and volunteers were able to advise her about her tenant rights, including the fact that with a no-fault eviction, she was not required to leave her apartment until a judge ordered her removal. Maria teamed up with Laura McNulty, who started researching housing options in Boston and then contacted the Volunteer Lawyers Project to help Maria obtain legal aid. LIFT volunteers accompanied Maria to her court appointments while a pro bono lawyer worked with her to negotiate an extension on her move-out date and settle outstanding payments with her landlord. Maria credits LIFT as her support system while navigating the stressful and confusing eviction process. "They helped me mentally, physically, emotionally, and even spiritually. I can't stress this point enough, they were just there."
Laura then helped Maria compile the necessary paperwork for emergency housing and accompanied her to an interview with the Somerville Housing Authority. Maria was eligible to receive housing and soon found an affordable apartment in a safe neighborhood, but she worried that she would not be able to afford the security deposit and first month's rent. Laura reached out to community partners at Catholic Charities and the Somerville Homeless Coalition and secured funds that allowed Maria to sign the lease on her apartment in July 2009.
Maria says, "[At LIFT] they work with you like a partner. They did so much more for me here than anywhere else I have visited. They really care about their clients." She continues to visit LIFT-Somerville to work on securing another part-time job while she waits for her job to transfer to full-time. In the meantime, it is still hard to make ends meet on a part-time salary, so volunteers have helped her establish a monthly budget and payment plans with her bank to make living expenses more affordable.
Reflecting back on the last two years, Maria says, "Before, my life [was a downward] spiral. I lost my job, got a divorce, and then lost my apartment. Since LIFT, I feel like I got my life back. I worked very hard to get where I am today and I did it with LIFT."
