Fellowship Housing helps women in need get back on their feet

She was only 20 years old when she met her future husband. By 2001, she would marry him. It should have been a magical time. Instead, by December 2005 she left him.

Doreen Browdy left, in the middle of a snowstorm, with her two young sons, with just clothes and a dresser in the truck. She had left all her other possessions behind.

"That was all material things. All I wanted was a safe place and not to have to worry what was behind the door when I came home," she said. "Those things were small in comparison to what Fellowship was offering me, which was a fresh start."

The Fellowship Housing Corporation, founded in 1991, is one of the largest transitional housing programs for single mothers in Illinois. It is based in Hoffman Estates and receives more than 350 calls a year for help. Families serviced are those facing eviction, bad housing environments, those forced to live in their cars, and those from abusive relationships.

"The unique thing about Fellowship Housing Corporation is that it is a two-year program, that takes you from a broken state on to an independent life as a productive member of the community," said Laura Riddle, the organization's director of development.

Currently, the organization is housing 22 families in three different complexes in Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates. More often than not, the common denominator for participants is that they could not keep up with rising rent and the increased cost of living. The majority are high school educated. Medical bills are also a factor that determines circumstances. Yet, the program transforms.

"It's amazing to see the change in these people," said Riddle. "A single mother who lost her job and had been living in her car, came in and couldn't even lift her head or make eye contact. Many come in sad, depressed and ashamed of the position they are in. As they go through the program they become self-confident and empowered."

Brandy Whitehead, program director at Fellowship, saw such a change with Browdy through the months.

"I've seen tremendous growth and change," said Whitehead. "She's upbeat and hopeful. She's a fighter with determination."

The basics of the program involve an intense qualification procedure and interview. Once approved, participants must pay $450 for a one-bedroom and $500 for a two-bedroom apartment. Each family must work closely with a case manager on budgeting. Non-necessary expenses, such as vacations, are forbidden. Additionally, monthly educational community activity meetings are mandatory.

"In addition to housing, there are other benefits," said Whitehead. "Sometimes we arrange free haircuts. We have arrangements with eye doctors for free exams and glasses for everyone in the family and free teeth cleanings for children. Right now, we even have an anonymous $10,000 donation for our debt retirement program. We use it to match debt amounts paid off."

Browdy has taken advantage of several of these services. She especially enjoys the community activity meetings.

"The benefit is knowledge, resources and a sense of community," she said. "I felt embarrassed, ashamed, and humiliated. But being with women in the same boat, and making friends, makes you realize you are not alone, and that makes you strong."

Browdy said she also gained a great deal of help working with her case manager. Additionally, she utilized the counseling services.

"I was concerned to go and open up, and about the cost," said Browdy. "But Fellowship pays for half. The counselor made me realize I didn't deserve to be in this situation and that I was not a bad person."

Although she researched and found out about the opportunities at Habitat for Humanity on her own, Fellowship even helped with that process.

"She is our first Fellowship mom to receive a Habitat home," said Whitehead. "But we did advocate for her and support her. We spoke with Habitat and wrote letters on her behalf. Now all our moms are on the radar for it and we are providing training on how to apply. She's energized the other mothers."

Browdy's Habitat home is a raised ranch with three bedrooms, one and a half baths, garage, and huge back yard located in Lake in the Hills.

"What I love about it, besides the fact that its mine, is that I've never lived in a house. I have lived in apartments my whole life," said Browdy. "I'm just happy to have my own front door."

For her sons, Jacob Perez, 4, and Matthew Perez, 6, it's more about the back yard.

"I like the back yard," said Matthew. "It's better because it has lots more room."

Matthew also said having his own bedroom is "awesome," and he is "happy to have a living room." However, an accessory to the house is what really has him excited.

"I'm excited to get a dog," he said. "I will be happy to play with the dog in the back yard."

Make the call

Fellowship Housing Corporation

Call: (847) 882-2511

Web: FHCmoms.org

Did you know?

Fellowship Housing Corporation client statistics:

One third left abusive situations

One third were being evicted

One third were living in temporary situations, seeking permanent housing