From Homeless to Housing

In July of 2021, a young couple in their early 20’s arrived at the shelter after moving from out of state to stay with a relative who took their rent money and then evicted them after only few days. The couple was devastated, which was compounded by the fact that the young woman was pregnant. Because she had moved to Michigan from another state, she did not have Michigan Medicaid and was not receiving any prenatal care.

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​Numerous studies have shown that women without prenatal care are seven times more likely to give birth to premature babies and five times more likely to have infants who die. Realizing that this was a crisis on multiple levels, NSO staff sprang into action! NSO staff connected the mom-to-be to the NSO 360 Wellness Clinic, where she was connected with an obstetrician to deliver necessary prenatal care and provide stability to what could have been precarious pregnancy.

The help and assistance didn’t stop there. NSO Homeless Recovery team facilitated the preparation of the family’s housing application, helping to expedite it’s processing. The couple was quickly approved for a Housing Choice Voucher and were able to move out of the shelter into an apartment in only 47 days due to the recent increase in availability in Housing Choice Vouchers.

It was through the work of committed, dedicated and talented staff spread across various divisions of NSO that this family was able to get back on its feet again.

What makes NSO different is our intentional focus on the whole-person. Whether a person reaches us through emergency shelter, the clinic, senior wellness center or one of our other programs, our holistic approach helps change lives. It is our goal to provide people with the necessary tools, resources and support that they need to rebuild or start anew....because everyone deserves a second chance.