United, Families Thrive

Finding Stability: A Mother’s Journey Toward Safe, Secure Housing

At United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, we believe that when families are stable and secure, our whole community grows stronger. However, across our region, 41% of households struggle to afford basic necessities like food, housing and healthcare. The cost of essentials continues to rise faster than wages, leaving even working families under strain.

When her landlord suddenly decided to sell the home she shared with her children, Francisca became one of the many parents in our area facing the fear of eviction.

“I had nothing. No money, no support,” Francisca said. “I was even struggling just to get my kids to school.”

Everything changed when her daughter’s school, Donegan Elementary, a United Way Community School in the Bethlehem Area School District, referred her to the Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley. There, Francisca found the connection and compassion she needed.

“I was embarrassed to ask for help, but they made me feel like I wasn’t alone,” Francisca shared.

With support from staff and a network of trusted partners, the Hispanic Center, one of five United Way Community Hubs in the region, helped Francisca apply for food assistance and healthcare benefits, connected her to the food pantry and assisted with referrals for rental support. Within a week, she and her children had a new place to call home.

“When families come to us in crisis, we meet them where they are,” said Hispanic Center’s Marshalena “Shelly” Agosto. “Sometimes they just need someone to listen, and sometimes they need someone to advocate alongside them. Either way, we’re here.”

Today, Francisca’s family is stable, supported and looking ahead. What began as a moment of crisis became a turning point, because Francisca wasn’t alone.

“We’re proud to be one of five United Way Community Hubs in the region. It allows us to do this work in a way that’s deeply rooted in trust, culture and connection,” Shelly shared.

When families like Francisca’s are met with compassion, connected to resources and reminded of their strength, they don’t just recover. They rebuild with dignity and hope, showing that UNITED, families thrive.