a new beginning: Melody’s journey to housing and stability

When Melody found out she was pregnant, she knew one thing for certain—she wanted to be close to family. She returned to Seattle, hopeful for a fresh start. But like so many families, she found the severe lack of affordable housing options put safe and stable housing out of reach.

The stark reality is, according to the Department of Community and Human Services, King County needs to build or preserve 44,000 homes affordable to households with incomes at or below 50 percent area median income (AMI) between 2019 and 2024 to ensure every low-income family has a safe, stable home. As of May 2021, only 1,595 affordable units, or 3.6 percent had been created.

For months, Melody and her baby, Jordan, bounced between couches, staying temporarily with friends and family, never knowing where they would sleep next. Out of places to stay and with the her turn to be called from a housing waitlist still a distant hope, Melody prepared to spend the night in her car. With the last of her money, she bought a blanket on sale at Fred Meyer to keep herself and her baby warm.

Just when things felt most hopeless, Melody’s phone rang. It was Mary’s Place. Space had opened up in one of our family shelters and a Uber was on the way to bring Melody and Jordan to safety.

Once settled in at Mary’s Place, Melody was paired with a housing specialist who walked alongside her every step of the way. The housing specialist connected her to resources and helped her navigate the complicated housing system. Together, they built an income and housing plan, and searched for a place she and her baby could finally call home.

When she received the keys to her apartment, Melody was overjoyed. And thanks to our Make-a-Home program and a group of generous volunteers, she received furniture and household essentials that made her new place feel warm, welcoming, and truly her own. Finally, Melody had a crib for her baby, a kitchen to prepare nourishing meals, a couch to relax on, and hope for the future she and Jordan could build in their new home.

Today, Melody is training for a new job at a local nonprofit. She’s using her lived experience to help others on their journey from homelessness to stability—a powerful full-circle moment.

Melody’s story is a reminder that with shelter, support, and community, families can find hope and stability.

Because of your generosity, moms like Melody don’t have to face homelessness alone. Together, we can ensure that no child sleeps outside!