October 28, 2016

The remarkable thing about hope is that it can grow, even when it is given to others. Such is the case with the hope that one resident brought with her to Lafayette Apartments in Williamsburg, Va., even after experiencing abuse at the hands of a loved one.

The resident, who wishes to be anonymous, was in an abusive situation and felt as if there was nowhere to turn and nobody to talk to about it. According to CHP Lafayette Apartments Property Manager Katina Rice, the resident’s abuser made it almost impossible for her or her children to feel safe or be on their own. “But she fought and persevered through her ordeal,” said Rice.

Rice explained that she and staff at Lafayette Apartments worked with James City County Social Services to provide the resident with a safe and affordable home when she and her family were at their most vulnerable.

“We worked together as a community to provide better housing to a resident in her time of need. Many of us take for granted where we will sleep and how we will provide for our children or loved ones, but this individual reminded us of just how critical a place to call home really is.”

While holding down a job and caring for two children on her own, the resident was able to successfully secure a two-bedroom apartment at Lafayette Apartments thanks to the time and effort she put into making sure her credentials and paperwork were in order prior to moving in. “And she always had a smile on her face,” Rice remarked.

“This resident truly had an impact on our staff here at Lafayette Apartments. She may say we changed her life, but we feel that she has forever touched our lives with her infectious smile and caring, can-do attitude. The day of lease signing was a very emotional day for all; she was prompt, gracious, and smiling. By the end, several tears were shed and there was so much joy for her and her family. It just goes to show that there’s always a reason for hope.”

Did you know?

In the state of Virginia in 2013, a total of 6,592 adults and children received 198,274 nights of emergency or temporary shelter due to domestic violence; however, 3,486 families requesting shelter services were turned away due to lack of shelter space. A total of 51,019 emergency protective orders were issued by magistrates and judges across the Commonwealth to protect the immediate health and safety of victims and their family members.