SHONTAYA'S STORY
Leaking ceilings and a month-to-month lease, Shontaya’s apartment was not in good condition, nor was it secure. As a single mother of six, including twins, Shontaya was looking for better living conditions for her children. When she began to face financial challenges, she was determined to do all she could to ensure that her children have a safe and stable home. Life’s circumstances off-ramped Shontaya from that goal, but she took effective action—she called 2-1-1 for assistance.
Through 2-1-1, United Way’s community navigation resource, Shontaya was provided with temporary housing through a local housing program. Although this option worked for the time being, she was determined to secure a stable home for her family. She applied to listed apartments one after another, striving for a rental property with a price tag she could keep up with.
“You really need help out here. It is definitely hard trying to find something affordable [housing] and you're not finding anything because everything just keeps going up.”
After reaching out to housing resources for Greater New Haven residents, she was able to find a stable and suitable home for her family. Shontaya achieved her goal. Now, she feels a joy when she sees her boys come home from school, excited to walk in the door—because they’re walking into their home.
“I just want to see my kids every day happy. Now that we have the new apartment, we come home and they are so happy. I feel real good. I feel like okay, I did something, I did this.”
Shontaya attributes her progress to perseverance, prayer, and resource providers like United Way. United Way of Greater New Haven will continue its work to help families uplift and nurture their households for quality living in our community.
