Don Corley, Director of Housing and Energy

P.O. Box 590
Fremont, OH 43420

Phone: (419) 334-3332
Fax: (419) 334-4036
Dpcorley@wsos.org www.wsos.org

Incorporated: 1965

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Like many single mothers, Christina Beddow simply wanted to be able to provide for her children: 8-year-old Cierra and 9-year-old Davon. She had a decent job and an apartment, and was doing the best she could to make ends meet. But she suffered a crushing blow in 2000 when a back injury forced her to stop working.

Without an income, she fell behind on her rent. To make matters worse, the apartment building where she and her children lived was scheduled to be demolished. Christina had no job, no home, and nowhere to go.

She and her family found themselves at the Liberty Center, a homeless shelter in Fremont. Shelter staff referred her to WSOS Community Action Agency's (WSOS) HomeNet program. Through this program, WSOS assists homeless families and individuals in finding permanent housing, employment, and self-sufficiency. The organization arranged for Christina and her family to stay in temporary housing until they could afford their own home.

With support from WSOS, she found a job at a local nursing home. WSOS also helped Christina learn budgeting skills and reinforced her determination to succeed. She began planning for her future. By 2001, moved from WSOS' transitional housing to her own apartment.

"It feels so good to be on my feet again," Christina says. "WSOS has been a real blessing to me and my family."