Andrea came to Alameda through a housing waitlist she joined while trying to find a bigger home for herself and her ailing mother. Sadly, Andrea’s mother passed away right before she was offered a unit, however, she couldn’t take the two-bedroom they originally sought together. The housing authority put her back on the waitlist, and then, unexpectedly, “less than two months later, they called my name.” And for the past four years, she’s called Alameda home.

Rise Up Alameda helped Andrea regain stability during a period of financial and emotional difficulty, especially with the loss of her mother, medical bills and other burdens that fell on her shoulders. The support was crucial for staying afloat with essentials and allowed her to cover bills, transportation, bridge tolls, and gas, helping her stay current on rent and basic needs. Over time, she became more focused on budgeting and prioritizing necessities over wants. The support also helped her provide and care for her father and her ailing brother. After the program, Andrea is feeling more prepared for the future.

“It helped a whole lot. Believe me, it did, but…I'm still the same person regardless how much money I get. If I get the same pay, if I get a little extra more, I'm still the same person.”