For 35 years, Deb was a nurse. When she lost her job in 2010, Deb relocated to the Seacoast area to be closer to her daughter and granddaughters. Deb received unemployment for a short time, and then juggled several part time jobs to pay her bills. In November 2013, Deb's roommate abruptly moved out and she could not afford the rent on her own. "At that point, I really became homeless. I had nowhere to go."

Deb arrived at Cross Roads House at the end of 2013, just a week before Christmas. She admits when she arrived she was very discouraged. "I had a chip on my shoulder. I was not accepting of this reality. I became so depressed. It was hard for me to move on. It was difficult to come out of that and find something positive. That attainable goal to be in an apartment was so far off. I didn't feel like I would ever see that." Deb says that thanks to the help she received from Cross Roads House she was able to change that attitude.

During her year at Cross Roads House, Deb continued to work part time and met with her case manager to set goals and connect with area services. "My case manager was wonderful. She was a fantastic listener. She gave me a lot of positive feedback and encouragement. Staff are generous with their time and they are genuine."

Deb also credits a large part of her positive outlook on group therapy she participated in at Seacoast Mental Health. "I've learned a lot of skills to be able to handle different situations. It's enlightened me. It's kept me positive and grounded."

In January, Deb was able to move out of the shelter and into her own apartment. She is looking forward to settling in and enjoying her new home.

Cross Roads House relies on private philanthropy for three quarters of its annual operating budget. Our Benefit by the Sea event is a vital part of securing the necessary funds to continue providing shelter and life changing services for the homeless in our community.

 For more information, contact Jessica Parker at 603-436-2218 x112 or j.parker@crossroadshouse.org.