Now that she has a roof over her head, the sky's the limit for Yolanda Gutierrez. The 27-year-old single mother of three has high hopes for her family. Currently a nursing student at Gavilan Community College, she has come a long way since living on the streets in Los Angeles.

Yolanda's escape from a violent past in 2005 led her to San Jose where she has family. With no permanent place to live, she contacted Catholic Charities' Shared Housing Program.

Yolanda and her children - ages 10, 2 and 1 - were placed in a housing complex in Morgan Hill, where they share a house with four other families. Her children attend daycare right on the premises while she is at school. Caregiver Mellie Dominguez has gained the trust of her children, who have been through a lot, particularly her 2-year-old son who suffered from separation anxiety.

"I'm living in a positive environment where I get a lot of support. We are really grateful to be here," Yolanda says. "I don't know where I would be right now without my case manager Sr. Rosie Statt and Catholic Charities."

The Shared Housing Program is aimed at easing the burden of skyrocketing housing costs by helping individuals and families find affordable rooms to rent. Staff help screen clients, provide tips for successful shared housing, and suggest a living agreement to clarify expectations.

"It's hard to get on your feet without a place to live," Yolanda says. "You need an address to apply for school or a job. This place has given me the chance for a new beginning."

Links to other client stories:
Shima
Tony Nespole
Yolanda Gutierrez