From Darkness to Determination: A Mother’s Journey to Stability and Self-Sufficiency

When Alicia arrived at Lucas Place with her children, it was under the cover of night. She had fled a home where violence lived, taking only what she could carry and clutching tightly to the hope that something better was possible. With nowhere else to turn, she came to Lucas Place, ECHO’s Permanent Supportive Housing program for families with minor children experiencing homelessness.

For Alicia, safety wasn’t just about a roof over her head. It meant reclaiming her life—on her terms.

The early days were difficult. Like many survivors of domestic violence, Alicia carried invisible wounds. She battled trauma, unmanaged mental health challenges, and substance use, all while doing her best to shield her children from the chaos that once defined their lives. But in the stability of Lucas Place, she began to breathe again.

During her two years in the program, Alicia worked relentlessly. She focused on healing and rebuilding—creating a routine for her children, staying sober, and reentering the workforce. Slowly but surely, she built a foundation under her family’s feet. One made of consistency, self-reflection, and support.

By the end of 2019, Alicia had done what she once believed was impossible: she no longer needed on-site supportive services. She was ready to take the next step in her journey. With ECHO’s continued support, she transitioned into one of our affordable single-family rental homes, where she began to fully step into her independence.

But Alicia’s story didn’t stop at stability—she had her sights set even higher.

While managing her household and raising her children, Alicia made a bold decision: she went back to school. Wanting a future where she could not only provide for her family but thrive in a career that allowed her to give back, she enrolled in a nursing program. Her determination was fueled by a desire to care for others the way she had been cared for.

In 2023, Alicia shared two incredible milestones: she had been approved for homeownership—her dream of owning a home was finally within reach—and she was graduating with a degree in Nursing.

Alicia returned to Lucas Place that year, not as a resident, but as a guest speaker. She sat before ECHO’s Board of Directors, confidently and humbly sharing her story. She spoke about her children’s safety, her fight to overcome addiction, and the countless moments when the future felt uncertain. Alicia also spoke about the role ECHO played in her life—not as a savior, but as a partner who believed in her when she struggled to believe in herself.

We celebrated Alicia that day—not just for what she had accomplished, but for who she had always been: resilient, driven, and deeply capable. Her success is entirely her own. ECHO’s role was to help shine a light on her value so that she could see it for herself.

Alicia’s story reminds us that permanent supportive housing is not the end of the road—it’s often the beginning of a new chapter. A chapter where healing happens, goals are reached, and futures are rewritten.

And it all starts with a door being opened, a warm welcome, and a belief that everyone deserves a chance to thrive.