Sarah Jane’s Story
Sarah Jane was a certified nursing assistant at a nursing home. When she lost her job, she struggled to maintain her housing and her mental health, and eventually, she was evicted.
Sarah Jane started out in a shelter, but her mental health challenges made it hard to live in a group setting. For two years, she slept outside in various locations around Uptown Charlotte. “I would sleep at the transit center, or outside the office buildings, and later by the gates of Roof Above. I was taking showers there and eating lunch every day, but I didn’t know what to do next.”
Making Connections
Sarah Jane stands with Nurse Chris
That changed when Sarah Jane connected with a Roof Above case manager, who helped her start the housing process and seek mental health treatment. Sarah Jane is housed through Roof Above’s Scattered Sites program. The Scattered Sites program provides apartment units scattered throughout Charlotte in partnership with various landlords. Support services are provided by Roof Above case managers and nurses.
Sarah Jane works with Nurse Chris, part of Roof Above’s Scattered Sites team. “Nurse Chris checks in on me, and we read my medical communication together, so I understand. He’s the first one I call.” Sarah Jane’s health is now stable, and because of that, she regularly shares her beautiful smile. “Housing has given me safety, stability, a place to regroup and start over,” she says.
Earlier this year, Sarah Jane started her first job since she entered homelessness. She’s working at Burger King, and she is incredibly proud that she is receiving a paycheck. Congrats, Sarah Jane!
Sarah Jane’s story has a beautiful ending, thanks to supporters. You can support Roof Above’s work by learning, serving, or giving.