A Home and a Fresh Start

As the mother of a young son, Leslie knew she needed a more stable life for her small family.

Moving between friends’ couches and occasionally staying in shelters was not the future she envisioned for herself and her six-year-old son, Logan. But without reliable childcare or a permanent place to live, maintaining steady employment was a constant challenge.

Determined to change her circumstances, Leslie turned to One Family Illinois’ Casa Tepeyac Community Center for support. There, she connected with Housing Advocate Keimari Rimmer, found renewed hope, and began a journey toward stability.

“Not having a place to call home is not ideal when trying to maintain custody of a child,” said Keimari, who understood that the stakes in Leslie’s situation were especially high.

Keimari quickly began helping Leslie navigate the lengthy and often complicated process of securing affordable housing and a stable environment.

“The first thing I offered Leslie was emotional support,” Keimari explained. “We need to be intentional about building relationships and earning trust with our clients before we move forward together.”

Once that foundation was established, the practical work began. To apply for a housing voucher, Leslie first needed to gather important documents, including her Social Security card and birth certificates. From there, she applied through the Housing Authority of Cook County and, after approval, awaited clearance through a Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) background check.

Fortunately, Leslie’s case progressed quickly. Within five months, she and Keimari were touring apartments in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood.

“Making sure it’s the client’s choice is so important because it’s their life,” said Keimari. “I’m there beside them every step of the way, offering guidance, but long-term success comes when they take ownership and believe in themselves.”

The search for affordable housing was not without setbacks. Some units failed inspection, while others were priced beyond reach. Still, Leslie remained determined and, as Keimari describes it, “never looked at a problem as a problem.”

Today, Leslie and Logan are settled in a spacious two-bedroom apartment they proudly call home. Leslie has purchased a car and maintained steady employment for more than a year, most recently working as a cashier at Nicky B’s restaurant in Bedford Park.

“Sometimes you need someone to believe in you and encourage you,” Keimari said. “Leslie just needed hope and a chance. Now she’s in a much better place and making it on her own.”

Logan is thriving, too. With Keimari’s help, he attended YMCA Camp Manitowish in northern Wisconsin for his first sleep away summer camp experience and is looking forward to starting a new school year.

What began as a search for housing became an opportunity for a fresh start. With support, perseverance, and belief in herself, Leslie was able to create the stable foundation she always wanted for her family.

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For more information about One Family Illinois' programs and services, contact Communications Director, Kathy Wolf at kwolf@onefamilyillinois.org.

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