She came through the door with the support of her walker, and it was clear she was distraught, frustrated.

Simeon—an Early Childhood Service Coordinator at a Children’s Board Family Resource Center, managed by LSF– knew there was something wrong, and prepared himself to offer support. After asking a few questions, Simeon learned the woman’s heartbreaking story:

She’d just received an eviction notice and was fretting about what she would do. Her trailer was her home, and she had nowhere else to go.

Worse yet, she’d recently lost her young son in a tragic accident, and she was struggling to find resources for her other son, who was diagnosed with autism and in need special resources.

Image Photographer: Matt Moloney

Image Photographer: Jon Tyson

Simeon, having seen this kind of panic and pain with other clients, jumped into action.

“I apologized for what she was going through and just gave her a listening ear,” Simeon said. “She was anxious and exhausted and needed someone to help her come up with a plan.”

So he did.

Simeon worked to connect the woman with an attorney who would walk her through the process and answer questions regarding the legality of her eviction notice. Then Simeon helped her develop a plan to identify people within personal and professional networks who could offer help.

Using a few LSF partners and “a few personal contacts,” Simeon was able to connect the woman with an entire team of people who were ready and equipped to support her.

While this story was a success, there are several men, women, and children who are looking for the same support, and the pandemic has made this service a priority.

“Honestly, housing has become one of the number one issues we’re seeing with clients. They’re backed up on rent and mortgages and they don’t know their rights.”

LSF helps clients navigate services that may be available and provides education about resources for the homeless population. Our Family Resource Centers serve as a safe and welcoming place for any Hillsborough County resident to come in and get connected to a myriad of services aimed at bettering their lives and the lives of their children. If you are looking for ways to support this mission and directly impact the lives of those around you, please consider donating today.