From Crisis to Comfort: How THN Helped a Family Rebuild

When a mother of three was forced to leave her home because of a severe domestic violence situation, she fled across state lines with her children in search of safety, stability, and a fresh start. Their destination was not chosen at random. One of her children required ongoing, specialized medical care, and a provider familiar with their circumstances referred them to a Texas community where those services could continue without interruption.

But escaping violence did not mark the end of their struggle. Years of financial abuse had followed this mother like a shadow. Her partner had controlled every dollar that entered or left the household, racking up debt in her name and destroying her credit. By the time she arrived in Texas, she carried thousands of dollars of debt and a credit score so low that it disqualified her from most rental properties before she could even explain her situation. With three children to protect, she faced rejection after rejection even when the unit was safe, modestly priced, and within reach.

That is where THN’s Emergency Housing Voucher program made the difference.

The EHV program, created under the American Rescue Plan, was designed specifically for individuals and families fleeing domestic violence, experiencing homelessness, or at serious risk of homelessness. THN supports communities across Texas in administering these vouchers by helping households locate units and providing the financial and logistical support needed to overcome barriers that would otherwise prevent them from using their voucher. This includes covering application fees and security deposits, paying off screening barriers, offering landlord engagement services, and helping families secure essential household items after move-in.

For this family, EHV funding became the bridge between having no options and having the opportunity for a new beginning. Through THN’s service fee support, we were able to address the barriers that were blocking her housing applications, including outstanding fees and past-due balances tied to the financial abuse she had endured. Once these obstacles were cleared, our team partnered with a local realtor who understood the urgency of the situation and the mission of the EHV program. Together, we identified a landlord who was willing to work with the voucher program and who was genuinely committed to offering this family a second chance.

The unit we found was not only safe and affordable, it was located exactly where the family needed to be. The home was just minutes from her child’s medical specialists, allowing this family to maintain continuity of care without long travel times or complicated transportation needs. For a family healing from trauma, that convenience was transformative.

Once the lease was signed, our support continued. Through the resources available within the EHV program, Texas Homeless Network worked closely with the mother to furnish their new home. They had fled with almost nothing, leaving behind furniture, clothing, and personal belongings. We helped replace the essentials, including beds for the children, a sofa where the family could gather, and a dining table where they could share meals and feel connected again.

And just a few weeks after move-in, the mother actually sent us a video that offered a virtual tour of their new space. She walked room to room, showing the furniture, the decorations the children had helped select, and the sunlight coming through the windows. In the background, her children’s laughter echoed, joyful and safe.

Today, thanks to their Emergency Housing Voucher and the tireless work of our team, this mother and her children finally have what they had been searching for: stability, safety, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives on their own terms. Their home represents far more than shelter. It is the foundation for healing, hope, and a future defined not by crisis but by comfort and possibility.