July 21, 2022
Asma became connected to the Arab-American Family Support Center (AAFSC) through a referral from the Staten Island Family Justice Center. At the time, she was at risk of becoming homeless as her ex-boyfriend and landlord threatened to evict her and harm her physical safety. Once enrolled in AAFSC’s Anti-Violence Program, our Case Manager provided immediate crisis intervention, safety planning, case management, resource navigation, and advocacy services to ensure Asma was safe and meeting her basic needs. Responding to the imminent threat of housing insecurity, Asma’s Case Manager complemented our culturally and linguistically competent victim services with enhanced housing resource navigation support. Through AAFSC’s coordination, Asma applied for housing vouchers through Section 8 and the Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program.
As Asma navigated the complex and lengthy application process, AAFSC’s Anti-Violence Program provided ongoing support and advocacy, empowering her to overcome the linguistic and technical barriers that commonly undermine access to resources. When Asma was successfully granted a Section 8 housing voucher, she began the process of seeking stable, permanent housing. With her Case Manager’s support, Asma located an apartment and was able to safely move herself and her belongings into a new home. Asma is now acclimating to her new life, while still connected to a robust support network helping her navigate the transition and continue her journey of healing.
