Ursula Signs Her Lease!

October 2025

We are ecstatic to share that one of our guests, Ursula, has moved into permanent housing!

Too often, people assume homelessness is the result of personal failure. Ursula’s story highlights how often, people become unhoused due to factors far beyond their control.

Three months after her car was totaled by a drunk driver, Ursula lost her apartment during Hurricane Helene. Overnight, her life was upended — it was the first time in her life that she was unhoused.

Ursula refused to part with her beloved dog, Ginger, even though keeping her was a hurdle in being able to stay at most shelters. In February, she was referred to Safe Shelter, and Ursula and Ginger have been with us since.

After six months of navigating waitlists and jumping through bureaucratic hoops, Ursula has officially moved into her new apartment. This past week, community members and Safe Shelter staff helped Ursula move her belongings and furniture into her new apartment. As Ursula carried boxes into her apartment, she beamed with joy.

“It’s going to be a wonderful weekend,” she smiled.