Stable Families Success Story

Johann from Bridgeport went through some rough times, losing her job and facing eviction from the apartment she and her daughter had lived in for five years. Just when things were looking up, adversity struck again. She was laid off for a second time and received another eviction notice. “I didn’t know where I was going to go,” she said.

Luckily, NHHR’s newest program, The Stable Families Program was there. The program, launched last October, is an outreach, support and advocacy program for families living in the Bridgeport Housing Authority units. “The goal is to help stabilize families,” said Keishanna McCalmon, program coordinator. “A case manager engages the tenant in the home with weekly visits and determines the reasons the tenant’s housing is unstable and why the family is at risk of eviction. The NHHR case manager and tenant create an action plan to avert eviction.  It might involve referrals to mental health or substance abuse programs, or to agencies that can help with back rent. It may include getting involved with a school to deal with truancy or other educational issues. In some cases, simply losing a job is the root of the problem.”

Johann saw a flyer about the program at her daughter’s school. Most referrals come from Bridgeport Housing Authority lawyers or building managers in charge of collecting rent. The program office is located in the Housing Authority building, which gives it a “team approach,” McCalmon said. Currently, there are 15 client families, but McCalmon plans to expand. “We’re in the relationship-building stage,” she said. 

Johann is grateful for the support. Knowing they can stay in their home has reduced Johann’s stress level, and her daughter’s.  “Stable Families is the biggest help for me right now,” she said.  NHHR thanks The Fairfield County Community Foundation and the Bridgeport Housing Authority for supporting this worthwhile program.