CHANGING LIVES
CLIFFORD AND RAEONNA
Clifford came to Flagstaff Shelter Services (FSS) after losing his housing. He slept in his van in our parking lot and accessed meals, showers, and medical services (provided on-site through North Country HealthCare) at FSS. As a result of health challenges he was having, Clifford was eligible for a private room at our non-congregate shelter. Shortly after he moved in, FSS staff learned of Clifford’s 26-year-old daughter and her two sons (ages one and two). Raeonna and her boys were fleeing a domestic violence situation and were sleeping in Clifford’s van. The FSS team quickly sprang into action and provided Raeonna and her two boys a room at our Family Shelter. Raeonna recently said, “It’s a giant step! We went from sleeping in the van to a bed of our own, plus we can take a shower. Moving away from eating fast food and more of the meals you all serve here at Flagstaff Shelter Services is a great help. My boys are no longer in a van all day, they get to run around and play here. They run around all day until they are exhausted from playing!”. Meals for FSS are regularly provided by the Flagstaff Family Food Center. Within six months of settling into their rooms at our Family Shelter, Raeonna and Clifford had both obtained employment. Clifford now works four nights a week, and Raeonna works three nights a week so that they can take turns caring for the children. Clifford and Raeonna also worked with an FSS Housing Case Manager to find affordable, long-term housing. Clifford recently told the Housing Case Manager, “You can have the strength as an individual to move forward but the services you receive and what you all provide here is what helps put it all into motion.” This three-generational family is thrilled to have a place of their own and to be saving money to buy a four-wheel drive vehicle that is reliable through Flagstaff’s snowy winters.
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FOREST HIGHLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2023
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