Bethlehem Housing serves families experiencing homelessness not just in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, but in St. Tammany and Washington parishes too. Utilizing our North Shore Pastoral Center’s community connections, Bethlehem Housing is plugged in to the needs of Northshore residents like Sharon.

When we first met Ms. Sharon, a 58-year old single mother with a 16-year old son with Down syndrome, she had been homeless for over a year. She and her son, “Robbie,” had moved in with a friend but were soon asked to leave. Due to her health issues, Sharon is unable to have a traditional career. With no job, limited income, and no place to go, Ms. Sharon heard about the Caring Center Shelter in Slidell. Ms. Sharon and Robbie lived at the Caring Center Shelter for a year when she was referred to Bethlehem Housing through the Northlake Homeless Coalition.  

When Ms. Sharon started working with a Bethlehem Family Coach, she began to regain her drive, dedication, and patience to keep searching for housing in spite of her declining health.  Her Family Coach followed-up with landlords for status updates on units, visited her weekly to check on her well-being, and eventually helped secure housing for her and her son in her desired neighborhood.

On December 1, 2019, Ms. Sharon received keys to her new home. Bethlehem provided Ms. Sharon with application fees, security deposit, rent assistance, and holiday gifts; but most importantly, they helped her find her way to a stable home for the holidays.

Learn more about CCANO’s Housing and Homeless Services here: https://www.ccano.org/homeless-services/