The Long Walk Home, Alyssa’s Transformation

Alyssa was a working mother who once managed three jobs and became a general manager, but her life took a dramatic turn when personal struggles and health challenges left her homeless and separated from her daughter.

After experiencing her health declining and managing a crisis with her daughter, Alyssa was overwhelmed and unable to work and keep up with the bills. She found herself homeless, walking long distances and seeking shelter. Her health decline resulted in her breaking her back in five places. She was lucky to be alive, discovered by a church that contacted her family and helped her get medical treatment.

For two years, she battled bureaucratic challenges, waiting for Social Security and Medicaid approval while being unable to care for her daughter. Her lowest point came when she was arrested for simply seeking shelter, sleeping outside a laundromat during a rainstorm.

Everything changed when she discovered New Directions women's shelter. Here, she found support, guidance, and resources. New Directions staff like Danielle and Kori helped her navigate paperwork and rebuild her life. She learned to be patient, focus on her goals, and rediscover herself beyond being just a working mom.

 Now, Alyssa is on the verge of reuniting with her 10-year-old daughter, moving into transitional housing, and rebuilding her life. Despite her health challenges and disabilities, she remains hopeful and determined, proving that with the right support, one can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.