Elena & Jordan’s New Beginning
*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of the family.
When a fire destroyed their apartment last spring, Elena and her son, Jordan, suddenly found themselves without a home. With nowhere else to go, they entered a long season of uncertainty—staying in hotels or with friends, never knowing where they would sleep next. It all happened right before Jordan’s high school graduation, turning what should have been a joyful milestone into a time focused simply on getting through each day.
While trying to keep things steady for Jordan, Elena was also recovering from a recent stroke, often feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Doctors recommended therapy, but life was moving too fast. Every day revolved around one question: Where will we go tonight?
One of the people who noticed their struggle was Julie, a friend from church whose son had been in the high school youth group with Jordan. Julie stepped in the best she knew how—helping with phone bills, offering rides, even welcoming them into her home. But as their situation grew more complicated, she realized she needed support, too. That’s when she reached out to Lighthouse.
Through Lighthouse, Julie learned how to walk alongside the family in a healthy and sustainable way—one that truly supported their needs while honoring healthy boundaries for everyone. With Lighthouse’s guidance, she helped connect Elena and Jordan directly to our team so they could receive the comprehensive housing support they needed.
The journey forward was anything but simple. Even after qualifying for housing, the process was filled with unexpected setbacks. Calls went unanswered. Promised dates fell through. Weeks turned into months. Through the stress of constant uncertainty, Jordan’s health suffered and he was even hospitalized at one point.
But they didn’t walk through it alone. Lighthouse staff, mentors, and volunteers came around them—offering encouragement, helping navigate housing steps, and being present through the hardest moments. Julie continued to provide support as a Haven Home during short stays, creating pockets of safety when things felt most unstable.
And slowly, the pieces began to fall into place.
After months of waiting, searching, and praying, Elena and Jordan finally received the news everyone had been hoping for: they were able to move into a home of their own. Volunteers showed up on moving day to help carry boxes and furniture, sharing a collective feeling of relief, gratitude, and “Finally!”.
We spoke with Jordan recently, and he reflected on how it felt to step into his new home for the first time. “Wow. I have a home,” he said. “For the first few days, it was like I had to remind myself not to be stressed because I was so used to being stressed every day, trying to figure out where I was going to lay my head each night. I feel like I can have a clear mind now.”
Today, Elena is focusing on her health again and working by caring for children. Jordan finally feels like he can be eighteen and is exploring the possibility of enrolling in college next fall. They’re rebuilding not just their routines, but their sense of peace, stability, and hope.
After months of survival mode, they finally have a place to rest and breathe again.
And for everyone who walked beside them - Julie, Lighthouse, and our incredible volunteers - that is what it looks like to shine a light of hope.