BACK TO ANACORTES​​​

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When Yesenia’s marriage ended, she was living across the U.S. in West Virginia with her husband and four children, ages 4, 6, 9, and 10. The family had moved there 2 years before to be near her husband’s family, hoping this move would somehow help save their marriage.  Now, left with no resources, she called someone who has always been there for her:  her step-dad.  He arrived two days later to bring them home to Anacortes. And they moved in with him into his studio apartment.

 

Yesenia is used to hard work and being self-sufficient. She started working in her dad’s mechanics garage when she was 12 and had her first paid job by the time she was 15 and a half. When they returned, Yesenia found a job as a caregiver, purchased an older mobile home, and prepared to move into it. It was a good plan. Yet, despite all her efforts, she could not find an affordable space to rent for the trailer.

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CONNECTING WITH AFC

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A self-declared “proud” person, it was hard for Yesenia to accept she couldn’t fix her housing problem on her own. For a studio, her dad’s apartment was spacious but simply wasn’t adequate for 6 people on a long-term basis. Her dad gently suggested that she let go of her pride and ask for help. That was when he told her about the AFC. It was difficult to admit, but she knew he was right and applied for emergency shelter-- and their lives began to move forward.

 

At first, the AFC housed the family in a hotel. They were eventually placed in the emergency shelter and later moved to transitional housing. Making the move to the transitional building was hard for Yesenia. She confessed that she doesn’t like change, and she had been through many changes in the previous couple years. However, Yesenia’s children thrived at the shelter. “They felt safe, they were happy, they had all their little things.”  AFC provided everything they needed because they arrived with only clothes. In fact, they were given more than enough, and she was looking forward to leaving things to help the next family on their way to independence. The AFC not only helped with household items but clothing and shoes when needed, and gifts for special occasions, which her kids treasure.

 

Looking back, Yesenia said the staff “made me feel I could do anything I wanted and they held my hand through everything…they genuinely care about the people here…they show up for us.”  Her case manager helped her file for divorce, fill out applications for housing and citizenship, and find childcare at the Boys and Girls Club. One skill she learned at AFC was more effective financial management and “how to spend money.” She now asks herself, “Do I want it or do I need it?  If I need it, do I need it right now?” Another area in which she has grown, is maintaining personal boundaries. She is “learning how to say "no” and to  keep my space peaceful.”

 

FINALLY HOME

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Yesenia’s advice to future residents of AFC is “Work hard. Don’t take the easy way out because it doesn’t work out. If you do the work, it works out.” She knows this because she has graduated from the program and has permanent housing.  Now her children are excited about having their own space, “being loud”, being able to have all the extended family over at one time, and having sleepovers with their cousins. Yesenia’s current goals are “building a home for my kids and having stability.” She is also looking forward to the day she receives her U.S. citizenship after living here for 20 years. Enjoying the local area—going to the beach to throw rocks, hiking (with snacks, of course)--and having movie nights and cooking together, the family is finally “home.”​