Julia was employed as a receptionist during the day, while at night she worked part-time for UPS and attended college classes.  She and her three children were forced from their South Los Angeles home by domestic violence.  After spending the night in their car, they were directed by a stranger to a Skid Row shelter.  The children were too frightened to stay in the shelter, however, and the family spent another night in their car.  Co-workers learned of the family's crisis and contacted Beyond Shelter.  Julia was fast tracked through Beyond Shelter's Housing First Program.  Without a credit history of her own, even a hard-working mother like Julia found it difficult to obtain housing.  However, Beyond Shelter's Housing Specialists helped Julia find a safe, affordable apartment, where the family is beginning to recover from the crisis.

One year ago, 25-year old LeKesha and her two young children were living with a cousin, but overcrowded conditions caused the cousin to ask them to leave.  At the time, LeKesha was pregnant.  Beyond Shelter's Housing First Program helped LeKesha, her two older children, and her 10-month old baby find safe, affordable housing.  After a three-month job search assisted by the agency's Employment Specialists, LeKesha attended the LA Times Career Expo, where she succeeded in obtaining a position as a bus driver at with a starting wage of $10.50 an hour and the potential for advancement.  LeKesha is excited to be working again.

An unemployed, single mother, Michelle became homeless with her two children when her rent was increased and she could no longer afford to pay.  They moved to an emergency shelter, where Michelle was diagnosed with a serious illness.  She found a part-time job, but medical treatment reduces her working hours and makes it difficult for her to obtain financial stability.  Beyond Shelter's Housing First Program helped Michelle and her children move into a permanent apartment, while she works with the agency's Employment Services Department to find full-time employment.

Originally from Bulgaria, Melina is the single mother of two young daughters.  Domestic violence forced Melina and her children from their home.  Beyond Shelter's Housing First Program helped Melina find permanent housing, while she worked to overcome the trauma of domestic violence and homelessness for herself and her daughters, and to obtain employment and citizenship.  With a poor employment history, Melina persevered in her job search.  "My instincts told me there would be an employer who would give me a chance," she said.  After a four-month search, Melina found a full-time job at a mental health organization earning $8.00 an hour, with potential for advancement.  "I look forward to growing with my career and caring for my daughters," she says.

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