More than just a home
Alycia began her story with Volunteers of America as a young single mother, without a stable home for herself and her daughter. With a felony on her record, Alycia found herself feeling hopeless. She had paid her debt to society, but had no job, a 6-month-old, and no home to call her own. Housing applications felt pointless as every background check was followed with a rejection. Alycia’s mother encouraged her to apply to the new Volunteers of America affordable housing unit, Boulevard One. Alycia had low expectations that as a former felon she would be accepted, but with no other options, she applied for housing. Little did Alycia know this was the turning point for her and her daughter’s future. She was elated to find out that even after the background check, she had been approved by Volunteers of America for an apartment. “They gave me a second chance with housing, assistance with securing a job, and the ability for my daughter to have a better life.”
Now, Alycia lives at the brand new Boulevard One complex in Lowry with her daughter and she works as a Peer Navigator at the Denver Public Library. In her role, she is helping others in her former situation find jobs and other resources. Alycia is a shining example of how giving someone a second chance can truly change the story for an entire family.