For years, Karishma’s older brother, Vincente, helped his disabled mother and his younger sister survive on just $800 a month in Social Security, covering food, bills and whatever else they needed.  

“Vincente was my best friend and the most important person in my life,” said Karishma, who is 21. “He helped us with anything and everything.”   

Even with affordable rent at National CORE’s Villaggio on Route 66 community, her brother’s support was essential to putting food on their table and paying utilities and other essential bills. 

Then, in November 2023, the family lost Vincente to cancer, and their world imploded.  

“My brother doesn’t have my back anymore; now it’s just us. I had to take on everything,” Karishma said. 

Despite being overwhelmed by grief, Karishma stepped into new roles.  

She got a part-time job as an elementary school teaching assistant, began helping her sister-in-law care for Vincente’s three children, continued with her college classes and stepped up as the chief breadwinner for her own household. 

“Everything was expensive, and money was scarce so it was really tough to figure out how we could support our family,” she said. 

Almost immediately, Karishma and her mom were faced with a terrible choice: Help pay for Vincente’s funeral or pay their rent. Funeral costs in the United States have risen sharply over the past 30 years, with cremations averaging $6,280 – far more than her sister-in-law could ever afford. 

“We stepped in to help but the consequence was missing the rent. We were afraid that we wouldn’t have a place to live anymore,” Karishma said. 

Karishma turned to her National CORE property management team for help. They, in turn, connected her with Hope through Housing resident services manager Deondra Gutierrez. Deondra helped the family receive one-time emergency assistance that covered the rent. 

Deondra said even a minor financial setback can be devastating to a low-income family – much less all the added costs and pressures faced by Karishma’s family. 

“Hope through Housing understands that life can be unpredictable and major setbacks take priority, that’s why even a small help can make a big impact,” Deondra said. 

The assistance meant Karishma could remain working part time and stay in school even as she helped tend her nephews and nieces while her sister-in-law worked her own two jobs.  

Just as they were beginning to regain stability, another blow came. 

In May 2024, an uninsured driver rear-ended their 2012 Toyota Rav4, totaling the car. For months, Karishma and her mother had to rely on her sister-in-law’s car for all the family’s needs. It became a daily challenge to get to school, appointments, even the grocery store. 

“I wasn’t progressing because I was on someone else’s schedule. It was hard,” Karishma said.  

Seeing Karishma’s daily struggle, Deondra started searching for solutions. 

She connected Karishma to a program called Recycled Rides, sponsored by the National Auto Body Council, that provides cars to families in need. The process took months to complete, but in January the family received a 2019 dark gray Nissan Rogue as well as a $1,500 gift card. 

With the new ride, Karishma is back on track. She expects to earn her associate’s degree in biology at Chaffey College in 2026, with a goal of becoming a dental hygienist. 

“I love my car! Now I’m not on anyone else’s schedule and I can go to school, work and help with Vicente’s kids,” Karishma said. “This is a huge help for us.” 

Deondra said supporting residents like Karishma is the focus of Hope through Housing, which works to break the generational cycle of poverty. 

Deondra praised Karishma for taking charge of her life. 

With Hope through Housing, National CORE is dedicated to breaking the cycle of generational poverty by implementing programs that support individuals and transform communities – built to support residents on their path to success. 

“I’ve seen her transform into the responsible and wonderful woman that she is today,” Deondra said. “This family has been through a lot and Hope through Housing is happy to be with them as they work to create a better life for themselves.”   

 

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