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Duha's Success Story!
Duha, a widowed mother of two, arrived in Seattle last year carrying years of personal and emotional hardship. Originally from Iraq, she and her family had relocated to Jordan in 2017 to escape the unstability at home. There, she did her best to create a life for her children, despite the uncertainty that defined their future.
In 2021, while living in Jordan, Duha faced an unimaginable loss, her husband passed away from cancer, leaving her to care for their children, then just 5 and 9 years old, entirely on her own. The grief was heavy and the responsibility daunting. Yet despite this incredible loss, Duha remained focused on giving her children hope and security.
That heartfelt hope became reality last year, when her immigration application was finally accepted and she resettled in the U.S.A. with her children. Soon after arriving in Seattle, Duha found part-time work, earning just $1,220 a month. With initial help from a resettlement agency, she managed to pay rent and begin adjusting to life in a new country. But when that support ended, things became difficult. Her monthly rent alone was almost $1500, already more than her income, leaving her with little to cover for basic essentials and the needs of her children.
Despite her efforts to find full-time employment, she faced several rejections. The strain of financial instability began to mount and she eventually fell behind on her rental payments, accumulating a large amount in arrears.
Duha discovered and sought assitance from Muslim Housing Services (MHS), after learning about us from her friends and neighbours. Her Case Manager at MHS, worked closely with her to understand her circumstances and facilitate her application for MHS’s Homelessness Prevention Program, funded by the City of Seattle. Through this program, MHS was able to cover her rental arrears, enabling her to resolve the outstanding balance with her landlord and avoid the risk of eviction. She was approved for four months of rental assistance, giving her the time and stability she needed to begin rebuilding. To further support her journey toward self- sufficiency, her Case Manager also connected her with employment services to help her search and apply for jobs.
Empowered by this support, Duha refocused her efforts and continued her job search. Her unwavering determination eventually yielded success when she secured a full-time position as an assistant at a children’s day care centre.
Today, Duha enjoys a more stable life and a renewed sense of security. Her children have also begun to thrive, settling into their new environment with the support of friends and neighbours. She has regained the ability to cover her family’s living expenses and is now planning for the future with confidence.
“I will never forget the support I received from MHS,” she shared. “It helped me stand on my feet again.”
Like Duha, many who walk through our doors remind us that behind every housing application is a person striving to rebuild, heal and begin again.
*Through our newsletter, we share stories like Duha's to remind our community of the real impact we can make together. If you'd like to support families like this, please consider donating to Muslim Housing Services (MHS), which helps us provide vital resources to those in need.
Donate now by clicking here.
Disclaimer: This story is based on the real experiences of a client served by Muslim Housing Services (MHS). Names and certain details have been changed to protect the privacy and confidentiality of the individuals involved. However, the core narrative depicting her journey from crisis to stability with the crucial assistance provided by MHS remains true to the facts. Some circumstances may have been omitted or slightly altered. This account aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by families and individuals experiencing housing insecurity, domestic violence, and other complex situations - as well as to underscore the vital, potentially life-changing role that MHS and other nonprofits providing social services can play in empowering survivors and facilitating positive transformations.
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