Submitted by Griselda Sierra, Supervising Case Manager
Rebecca (fictitious name) courageously sought assistance from Community Legal Aid SoCal with an unlawful detainer (eviction) case. After the Housing Unit took on her case, the Case Management Unit stepped in to support and help Rebecca with identifying housing resources, as well as rental assistance.
Case manager Emely Gonzalez conducted an in-depth assessment of Rebecca’s needs and noted her resilience in the face of multiple challenges, including recent unemployment, food insecurity, and ongoing mental health concerns. Despite these hardships, Rebecca remained motivated. She demonstrated a strong commitment to address her housing crisis, though these overlapping stressors impacted her ability to stay fully engaged in her legal case.
When communication from Rebecca began to decrease, Emely, determined to maintain connection, tried every communications method she could to reach her. Eventually, Rebecca re-established contact via email, explaining that her phone service had been disconnected due to financial constraints and that her landlord was intermittently cutting her electricity, limiting her ability to charge devices and stay connected.
Taking proactive steps to address needs
In their work together, Emely took a trauma-informed approach with Rebecca and used motivational interviewing to support her as she addressed her most immediate needs and began to build a path forward. Rebecca took proactive steps in applying for unemployment to secure income to work towards sustainability and began applications for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, and employment opportunities.
Understanding that housing stability was at the core of Rebecca’s overall well-being, Emely prioritized helping her identify long-term housing solutions and assisted her in applying for the SB2 Program. After extensive search, Rebecca was able to identify a rental unit within the Los Angeles area. Emely immediately stepped in to provide the potential landlord with information regarding SB2 program and answered their questions to ensure their participation.
Applying for available support
Once the landlord agreed to participate, Emely started the application process. Case management worked diligently with the Housing Rights Center, the landlord, and Rebecca to ensure that all documentation was provided for the approval of SB2 funding. After the Rebecca’s application for funding was approved, Emely shared the good news with her—she was awarded 12 months of rent. Rebecca responded with relief and gratitude and said she was ready to move into her new home.
Throughout her legal process, Rebecca persevered, showing great effort to follow through with her intention for a more stable future. With case management support, she has made progress towards housing stability, reconnecting with public services, and reclaiming control over her life.
