After being unhoused for 25 years, Sammie secured housing through the Office of Supportive Housing in the summer of 2022 and set up automatic rent payments for convenience. For a year, everything went smoothly.
In the summer of 2023, Sammie faced mental health challenges, leading to isolation and difficulties in maintaining housing. Simultaneously, issues with the property’s payment system deactivated automatic payments, which Sammie didn’t notice due to a mental health episode.
Once stable, Sammie discovered his rent payments had stopped and he owed over $1,500 in past-due rent. A three-day eviction notice followed, leaving Sammie fearful of returning to homelessness. With help from a case manager at the Office of Supportive Housing, Sammie was connected with HIF’s Emergency Housing Fund, which provided the rental assistance he needed to avoid eviction and remain housed.
“Without support from HIF, I would have been evicted from my apartment and forced to return to the street. At my age I’m also not sure how long I could have survived or maintained my health. For that I am truly grateful to HIF for saving not only my housing but also my mental and physical wellbeing.”
