“I never thought I would be homeless.” At the age of 17, Stephanie faced a new reality: she, her parents, and her four siblings would have to live in their car.

It was a matter of unfortunate timing and circumstances, as they were evicted to make room for the landlord’s daughter. Unable to find another affordable home in time, most of the family slept in the car while Stephanie traveled from couch to couch at friends’ homes. At the time, she thought, “I feel hopeless and helpless. It’s draining, and I feel lost a lot of the time. I’m just trying to find ways to survive.”

Months after becoming homeless, she was referred to Hutton House by her family’s counselor at Sierra Vista Child & Family Services, which provided more stability for her. While she had to be watchful of threats to her safety when she was on the streets, she said, “I feel safe at Hutton House. No one can find me or hurt me.” Hutton House also assisted Stephanie in getting to school, which had previously required a one hour walk. Still, going to school contributed to her stress as she simultaneously faced the trials that come with homelessness.

“It’s hard going to school. It’s hard to focus,” she said. “I don’t want to go, I am losing sight of the importance of school.” During her time at Hutton House, she maintained contact with her family and would see them when they stopped by for drop-in services or for a family meeting.

At the age of 18, Stephanie had officially aged out of Hutton House and transitioned to Pathways, which offers supportive services and housing for young adults as they save money and work towards self-reliance. With long-term life goals in mind and a case manager supporting her along the way, Stephanie looks forward to achieving greater stability and independence in her time at Pathways.