Client Stories: Meet Quadriyah

Former residents keep in touch with staff to share their challenges and their successes. We recently spoke with Quadriyah, a single mother served by Homeward Upper West Side.

Quadriyah notes that when she first came to Homeward NYC, she didn’t make it easy for the staff.

When homeless individuals and families come to us, they’ve often experienced trauma in addition to homelessness. That history can make it difficult to trust others and accept help.

It’s why trauma-informed care is a core component of our direct services. Healing and skills-building go hand-in-hand for empowering homeless young persons to build brighter futures for themselves.

Quadriyah quickly became a friend and resource for newer residents, volunteering to help them adjust. She also was an eager participant in sessions led by Women’s Empowerment and Life Skills Program Manager Althea Finley.

“I went to every session—mommy and baby classes, business classes, CPR training, parenting, resume writing, job fairs… I didn’t want to miss anything,” says Quadriyah.

She and her son moved to permanent housing in 2019. Quadriyah now works as a COVID-19 contact tracer.

With COVID restrictions, Quadriyah misses being able to drop by to visit staff and chat with current residents. We look forward to Quadriyah being able to visit safely again.