Joanne’s Story Impact in Action
When Joanne came to Sharon Manor, she had no semblance of community or safety. She could only focus on day-to-day survival. However, as she leaves our program 18 months later, she has reestablished family connections, implemented specific plans for her family’s safety, and has a Section 8 voucher that will keep her stably supported for as long as she and her family need. Joanne and her two children lived with her abuser in a small home near both of their families. They would go to family dinners, school events, and community gatherings and appear as one happy family. Behind closed doors, Joanne faced extreme physical, mental, and emotional abuse. Her husband cut her off from all of her friends and restricted contact with family so it only occurred when he was present. He repeatedly used physical violence and the threat of physical violence towards her children to maintain power and control over her life. She was alone. After months of planning, Joanne saw her opportunity to leave when her husband and his friends went out one night to drink. She grabbed all her important documents, her kids’ favorite toys, hopped in the car, and never looked back. After some tumultuous time in rural parts of northern Arizona, Joanne found her way to Flagstaff and Sharon Manor. At Sharon Manor, Joanne found peace and independence in her own home. She began a stable job and enrolled her kids into a school that was within walking distance of their home. Joanne could come home every day to her own room, her own kitchen, and a lock on her door. After a few months, Joanne began to engage in case management, where a trusting relationship was built. Joanne knew she always had someone to go to for resources, to talk to and process life, and to come up with a game plan every time it was needed. Joanne came to groups and developed friendships with some of the other adults at the Manor who understood her story and her life as a single mom. Joanne’s children also attended group and loved hanging out with other children and safe adults who were there just for them. Joanne has also been able to reestablish a relationship with her mom and brother, now that her communication is not being monitored. She receives immense support from them both as she continues to navigate life. Joanne secured a Section 8 housing voucher and was recently accepted to a new, permanent apartment where she and her kids will continue forward, now with community, independence, and confidence.
In Other News
HSNA is getting close to helping their 500th household purchase a first home with direct financial assistance – down payment/closing cost assistance. They have helped 496 households to date and have their 497th household under contract for purchase. Additional families are out shopping for a home, completing homebuyer counseling, etc. Housing Solutions hopes to celebrate their 500th family by the time they host their Annual Breakfast event in May 2026!
Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona has started a land trust program meant to create long-term affordable housing in the region. The land trust model creates below-market-rate housing by maintaining ownership of the land while selling the house itself. Homeowners have a ground lease that allows for a lower price and adds some conditions for when they sell the house so it will continue to be affordable for the next residents.
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