Five Days to a Second Chance

This is a first-person account from a New Reach client, shared in their own words in 2025. Names have been changed to protect their privacy.

If it weren’t for [my New Reach caseworker, Ms. Sanchez], we truly wouldn’t have a place to live right now. Ms. Sanchez has helped me so much through this big, messy journey.

Back in October, I got an eviction notice.

Our court date was December 28, but thankfully the landlord didn’t show up—that bought us two extra weeks. We went back to court on January 13, and my lawyer was able to push things out until February. She was actually the one who recommended the New Reach program, and I’ve been incredibly grateful ever since.

I share that little bit of backstory because I met Ms. Sanchez for the first time on February 5. We had to be out of our apartment by the 10th—so she had only five days to work her magic and help me find a roof for my family. And somehow, she did it. That’s got to be the fastest apartment search ever! 😂

I’ll be honest—I have a lot of trust issues. I don’t let people in easily. But from our very first phone call, I felt something different with Ms. Sanchez. She was warm, welcoming, and never once made me feel judged. That meant everything to me. Honestly, a lot of folks in government or programs like this can come off as cold or judgmental, and people like me don’t always know who to trust. But Ms. Sanchez showed me that not everyone fits that mold. For that alone, I’m so thankful.

The landlord she found for us is amazing. He’s kind, gave us a chance even knowing we had just come through an eviction—and he did that because he trusted Ms. Sanchez.

My kids are happy here. I’m a happy mama. We’re still getting settled, but we have a roof over our heads and heat—something we didn’t have for months in our last place because the landlord shut it off. And maybe the best part? I have a place for my dog. I was really clear from the start that I wouldn’t give him up, even though it’s so hard to find rentals that allow pets. Ms. Sanchez understood that and found us a place where we could all be together—including my pup.

I just had another meeting with her today, where we talked about goals and what I want for my future. And for the first time in a long time, I can actually see the light at the end of the tunnel.

So thank you, Ms. Sanchez, and everyone who makes this program possible. Without it, people like me wouldn’t get that second chance.