Lisbeth and Jacob
Lisbeth and her son Jacob are just one of the 108 families we housed in 2021 - One of the families SSHH helped transition to a life of permanent, safe, and sustainable housing. This mother gave us permission to share their story.
Lisbeth’s journey off the streets starts from a young age. As a child, she was abandoned by her family and sexually assaulted by a care provider. This led to trauma, and years of being human trafficked and abused. She moved all over the continental United States, homeless, unable to break the cycle.
“Before moving to Sacramento, I was in Chicago, Las Vegas, and Seattle running from my abuser. I was constantly running. I was stuck.”
Her son Jacob, pictured above, is her rock and motivation to live a better life. At 3 years old, Jacob stood up to his biological father when abusing his mother. “When I saw my son stand up to his father, I knew I had to decide whether or not I wanted to give my child a better life. I decided to call the police on my abuse for the first time. My son deserved the best that I could give him. And that was not the life we were currently living.”
From that point on Lisbeth accepted the new and uncomfortable feeling of pursuing a healthy life for her and her family. “I ran, but this time I left the unhealthy relationships and habits behind.” Lisbeth tried to take advantage of every resource out there, even if it came with the embarrassment of telling her story.
In August 2021, Lisbeth connected to a three-week paid motel shelter program. She moved into a motel right next door to a church active in Elk Grove HART. On a whim, she went into the church to look for a community. Luckily, she ran into the Elk Grove HART president Debbie, who immediately connected Lisbeth to SSHH’s Elk Grove Homeless Outreach Navigator.
Becky and Debbie collected donations and helped furnish the new apartment. Lisbeth and Jacob were finally home. On their way to drop off the donations, Jacob turned to Becky as they pulled into their new apartment, “Thank you, Miss Becky, that’s my house! Do you want a tour?” This was the first time Lisbeth ever heard Jacob say thank you.
At 34 years old Lisbeth signed the lease on her very first apartment. “I finally had a place I didn't need to fight, a place where I could be safe and start a new healthy life for my family.”