A family of 8 faced the threat of eviction after the head of household experienced a significant reduction in work hours, making it nearly impossible to cover rent. In desperate need of assistance, they found an online account promising rental aid for families in crisis.
Trusting the offer, they paid the required upfront fee and the balance a month later. However, they soon discovered they had fallen victim to a scam. The payments were disputed and reversed, and their attempts to contact the scammer for a refund went unanswered, leaving them with no resources and at greater risk of eviction.
In urgent need of support, the family reached out to Sunnyvale Community Services. Through case management, they accessed emergency rental assistance to cover the overdue rent. The case manager also connected them to critical resources, including food programs, which eased some of their financial burden.
The case manager provided budgeting support, helping the family prioritize essential expenses and reduce unnecessary costs. They also received financial literacy training and guidance on securing additional benefits, such as utility assistance and public aid, to further alleviate their financial strain. With the help of job training resources and a plan for part-time work, the family avoided eviction, stabilized their housing, and began their path toward financial recovery and long-term security.