Farah
In today's world, working full-time doesn't open doors like it used to. Minimum wage has fallen so far behind the cost of living that a single person in Massachusetts needs to be earning more than three times that amount to be able to afford a single bedroom apartment. And even if affordable housing is available, saving for a security deposit is often an impossible goal.

Witness Rebecca, a young single mother, lifetime Cambridge resident, employed and yet virtually homeless in her own hometown. "I was born and raised in Cambridge, living with my parents and a seven year old son," said Rebecca. "My parents were relocating out of state, forcing me into homelessness. I had been looking and trying to save money for an apartment in Cambridge since my son was born. But it seemed that every time I got ahead, I fell three steps back. The rental market is just so expensive. I felt like I was never going to be able to find an affordable apartment to raise my child in Cambridge. I knew that I would never be able to afford to come up with rent and a security deposit and I have been working full time since I was 17 years old."

With the help of CHAF's partner, the Cambridge Multi-Service Center for the Homeless, Rebecca was able to locate an affordable apartment. She was thrilled but scared she wouldn't be able to take it. "I had enough money saved for the first month's rent but not for the security deposit," she said. Rebecca's case manager at the Multi-Service Center, Naty Morrissey, immediately thought of CHAF. "Naty told me not to worry and assured me that she could get some help. Well sure enough, she got back tome with great news. Because of CHAF's extremely generous service I was able to move into my own apartment," said Rebecca. "Their wonderful program provided me with enough money to cover the security deposit that I was just never able to come up with on my own. I'm incredibly grateful that CHAF's program is here to assist people like me to create a wonderful and happy home." Rebecca now lives with her son in the same Cambridge neighborhood she grew up in.

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