Ali’s Experience
- Housing Hope
- 12 minutes ago
- 2 min read
What has changed for you since moving into stable housing?
Since moving into stable housing, I have been able to make significant changes in my life. When I first arrived, I had next to nothing. But with stability, I have been able to focus on my future—making a career switch from grocery to aerospace, which ultimately led me to enroll in Everett Community College’s Precision Machining program to earn my ATA degree.
Beyond education, I’ve made major strides financially. I’ve paid off my medical debt, raised my credit score from 512 to 750, and even purchased a new car—something I never imagined achieving just a year ago. But most importantly, stable, low-income housing has allowed me to focus on all of these goals while being a present, loving mother to my son, Declan, without the constant stress of affording rent. It’s just my boy and me, and I would move mountains to give him the best life possible. Because of this opportunity, I now have endless future goals—earning my degree, building my savings, securing a great job, and one day participating in Team HomeBuilding through Housing Hope to show my son firsthand what hard work can accomplish: our dream home.
How has your community and yourself grown in the past year?
The growth I have seen in my community over the past year has been a blessing. Many of us come from difficult situations—some more traumatic than I can imagine—but I’ve witnessed an incredible sense of unity. Over the past year, people have truly come together to support one another, whether it’s offering a cup of coffee, a ride to an appointment, or sharing a meal with a smile. I’ve seen our community grow stronger and safer, with more residents choosing sobriety simply because they see their neighbors doing the same. Recovery meeting attendance is at an all-time high.
Repurposing the community room has also brought so much joy, providing a space for residents to gather, socialize, and enjoy meals—especially valuable for those without reliable transportation. I finally feel safe, secure, and proud to live here, thanks in large part to our current dedicated Housing Hope staff. That hasn’t always been the case, but I truly believe we’re on the right track toward becoming a model of what a compassionate, supportive community should look like.
