Finding the Way Home

by Chris

On April 30th, 2018, I walked through the doors at CRITI. One suitcase and my eight-month old son ‘Jr’ in hand…impoverished, unemployed, abused, uneducated and now homeless too. Since childhood, I became almost conditioned to withstand maltreatment…I had no idea I was being emotionally abused. After many failed relationships and absolutely zero personal success, my family put me aside and labeled me a problem and embarrassment. I had nowhere to go.

Since I walked through CRITI’s doors, I have accomplished more life goals [than in] my entire life combined. The women here have shown me love, respect, safety and compassion. They believe in me. CRITI made it possible to obtain my GED and enroll in the ‘ticket to work’ program. In two years, my goal is to complete my Certified Professional Coder apprenticeship, earn a living wage and not be receiving any public assistance.

I will forever be grateful to CRITI for showing me my way home…my life will never be the same again.

Chris has since received her coding certification and resides in permanent housing.

“My biggest blessing here was learning to love myself. I found home in me and I didn’t know that before. Sometimes you’ve got to leave everything you know to find out who you are.”

CRITI Provides Support for Permanent Housing

Chattanooga Room in the Inn's HomeAgain program offers permanent, safe and affordable housing for graduates of the program. They are eligible for case management and all the services they received in-house at CRITI. HomeAgain is specifically aimed at creating affordable housing for those experiencing homelessness and providing the supportive services necessary to keep them from experiencing homelessness again.

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