Maria's journey from hardship to hope stands as a testament to the power of resilience and community support. At six, she immigrated to the Pacific Northwest, which now she calls home. Facing the loss of her mentor and "Mom" Jan in 2020, Maria spiraled back into alcoholism and homelessness amidst the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic. But as detailed by Washington County's recent profile, she managed to find her way back to sobriety, thanks, to the memory of Jan and a lifeline from local services.
Maria's recovery was catalyzed by her time at a shelter run by Union Gospel Mission, where she stayed for over a year. The shelter was just the beginning, eventually, she connected with the Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization (IRCO), which helped her secure a rapid rehousing voucher. This initiative, funded by a regional measure, provides rental assistance and case management for people experiencing homelessness. "It was hard for me to believe until I had the key in my hand," Maria shared, according to the county's article.
The stability of housing brought significant improvements to Maria's health, including a better diet that helped her manage diabetes and lose weight. But she didn't stop at securing an apartment. Maria had ambitions to start her own cleaning business, a skill she honed since her first job, and IRCO's Career Start Program equipped her with the necessary business classes and licensing preparation.
Maria's entrepreneurial spirit is now flourishing as she looks to give back to the community that stood with her. "My first question was, because of my legal status, can I start a business? I got my first job in cleaning fields, and now it’s just something I’m really good at," Maria told the Washington County's publication. She's on a path to ensure that her cleaning business mirrors the work ethic and perseverance she's shown throughout her life's trials.
