For most of her life, Ms. T has been the one taking care of others.
A longtime Keys local and mother, she spent years supporting her loved ones through difficult moments. But after the financial strain of the pandemic and ongoing health challenges within her family, Ms. T found herself facing hardship of her own. For more than two years, she lived in her car while trying to navigate homelessness.
Everything began to change when she connected with Housing Case Manager Carolyn Woodhead and the Keys Health and Housing team.
With support and guidance, Ms. T was able to secure housing and begin rebuilding her life. Along the way, she took on an even greater responsibility—becoming the primary caregiver for her teenage granddaughter. The two shared a small one-bedroom apartment, doing their best to make it work.
But as rent prices continued to rise, that apartment eventually became unaffordable.
Through ongoing planning, advocacy, and support, Ms. T was able to move into a three-bedroom unit at one of our Keys Health and Housing properties while they await permanent placement through the Housing Authority.
Along the way, the support she received extended far beyond housing assistance. From financial counseling and goal setting to encouragement during challenges along the way, Carolyn helped Ms. T be empowered to begin prioritizing her own well-being after years of putting everyone else first.
She describes Housing Case Manager Carolyn Woodhead as her “guardian angel.”
“My dreams have come true because of Carolyn,” Ms. T shared. “I have a home.”
Today, Ms. T and her granddaughter are on the way to a more secure future —an example of what can happen when people are met with compassion, support, and the resources they need to move forward.
