Emmanuel once worked a steady job in construction. But when the company shut down during the pandemic, he quickly fell behind on rent. Within six months, he was evicted. For the first time in his life, Emmanuel found himself without a place to call home.
“I was sleeping in my car and taking showers at the gym,” he shares. “It was hard to believe how fast things unraveled.”
That’s when Emmanuel was referred to GISA’s Housing Assistance Program.
Through GISA, Emmanuel received immediate support: a caseworker helped him apply for emergency housing assistance, and within two weeks, he had a roof over his head again. He also joined GISA’s financial coaching program, where he learned how to budget on a limited income and rebuild his credit.
With stable housing and a renewed sense of purpose, Emmanuel found a new job in landscaping. He recently enrolled in GISA’s evening driving classes to earn his license, expanding his job opportunities even further.
“I’ve learned that it’s okay to ask for help—and that it’s possible to bounce back,” he says.
Today, Emmanuel speaks at local community events, encouraging others in crisis not to give up. “I want people to know there is hope. GISA believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.”
