Over twenty-five years ago, and thousands of miles away, “Asha”, a young mother, and her baby girl narrowly escaped civil war terrorists in Eastern Africa. They eventually made it to America…to safety. However, with no job, and no money, Asha was unsure where to turn. Homelessness and major health challenges, including an AIDS diagnosis, separated Asha from her daughter for awhile. Eventually they were reunited and accepted into The Family Program at Jerusalem House. With a solid roof over their heads, Asha set out to raise her daughter in a healthy, nurturing environment. Her primary desire was for her daughter to receive a good education and the opportunity for a successful life.
Today, Asha maintains her own apartment through the Scattered Site Program at Jerusalem House and is a very proud grandmother.
Her daughter successfully earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, and, along with her husband, is eagerly anticipating the arrival of her third child, a boy!
Since 1989, Jerusalem House has offered stable housing in tandem with wraparound supportive services that enable residents to become self-sufficient and productive members of society. Research shows that post-secondary education serves as a pathway out of poverty and homelessness (National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth). Education has been shown to help break the intergenerational cycle of poverty. When an individual graduates from college, he or she doubles their lifetime earnings, and paves the way for future generations of their families to pursue the path to and through college.
Jerusalem House is proud of our residents who are diligently working towards achieving their educational and career goals!