A Second Chance Needed an Address
Linda had a chance to leave prison 90 days early.
There was just one problem: She had nowhere to go.
After spending years incarcerated, Linda was preparing for a new chapter—but like so many individuals reentering communities, she faced a reality that had nothing to do with her determination. She had no home to return to, and no nearby family or support system.
Without a stable address, she wouldn't have even been eligible to participate in Arizona's SAGE program, which allowed her to transition back into the community 90 days early. Mom's House didn't just provide housing—it provided the foundation that made every next step possible.
More Than a Place to Stay
Over the next three months at Mom's House, Linda worked alongside The Worker + the Televerde Foundation team to rebuild. She replaced expired identification, reestablished financial accounts, navigated healthcare and transportation, secured meaningful employment, and found the confidence that comes from knowing she wasn't facing those challenges alone.
For Linda, having a stable place to come home to each night meant she could focus on something she hadn't had in years: building a future instead of simply surviving each day.
From Resident to House Mom
Linda's commitment, compassion, and leadership quickly stood out.
As one of the program's star participants, she earned the role of House Mom, welcoming every new woman who walked through Mom's House's doors. She became a mentor, a source of encouragement, and a reminder that lasting change is possible.
From that role, Linda witnessed countless lives transformed. She watched women secure meaningful employment, rebuild relationships with their families, regain confidence, and take steps toward lasting stability. She saw firsthand what can happen when someone is given not just a roof over their head, but the opportunity—and the community—to rebuild.
One Opportunity Can Change Everything
Today, Linda is graduating from Mom's House and preparing for her next chapter: reuniting with her family after years apart and beginning a new life surrounded by the people she loves. Her journey is a powerful reminder that employment is only the first step. Lasting stability begins when someone has the support, safety, and opportunity to move forward.
"There are so many people leaving incarceration with nowhere to go," Linda says. "We're your neighbors. Give us a chance to rebuild."
That's why The Worker is participating in Sleep Out 2026.
One night outside isn't the goal.
The goal is helping more people spend the next 90 days inside—finding stability, rebuilding their lives, and creating futures filled with hope.
Through July 29, every donation to Sleep Out 2026 will be matched dollar for dollar, helping more individuals write a story like Linda's.
Because everyone deserves more than a place to stay.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to rebuild.
