The path to homelessness can be triggered by a multitude of factors, yet too often it is wrongly attributed to poor decision-making. Countless stories serve as poignant reminders that no one is immune to the possibility of homelessness, and that many who are impacted face the challenge with resilience, compassion, and transformation.  

James Eliscar's journey with Sarepta Women and Children Empowerment Center, one of United Way’s Community Action Grantees, underscores the unpredictable nature of life's challenges. A native of Haiti, James holds a double major in political science and economics. He has deep expertise through programs in public policy, economics, immigration and international relations, driven by a deep interest in the intersection of governance, economics, immigration, and society. His commitment to community service extends to the classroom, where he works to instill values of empathy, civic responsibility, and social justice in his students.  

It was while teaching that James began seeing the impacts of youth homelessness. But one tragic event profoundly shifted his perspective: a father and son dying in their car from carbon dioxide asphyxiation. This loss deeply affected him, reinforcing his belief that housing is a fundamental human right and driving a commitment to advocating for change.  

In 2015, James married and aspired to own a home and raise a family. Together, he and his wife set out to build their foundation. However, 2018 brought an unexpected twist and sorrow as they lost their son. This heartbreaking event, compounded by financial struggles, drained their savings, leaving them reliant on a single income to navigate a maze of hospital and funeral bills. On the verge of homelessness, they lived with in-laws until they had saved enough to stabilize their situation.  

James shares his story to help eliminate the stigma often associated with homelessness and create more empathy for change. “People often remain silent due to the shame it brings.  But there exists a silent army of resilient individuals experiencing homelessness. I wasn't alone,” said Eliscar.   

Driven by a determination to support others facing similar challenges, James transformed his grief into action. He founded a housing clinic and cultivated partnerships from policy, government and banking sectors to secure the funding necessary to offer support and resources to others. “I wanted to assist those who were either on the brink of eviction or already facing it. So, I began offering legal assistance to those who had received eviction notices, outlining their options to prevent the loss of their homes,” said Eliscar.   

This community-driven effort laid the groundwork for Sarepta's housing pillar. As James’ initiative to help individuals and families facing eviction or foreclosure gained traction, it became evident that a more robust organizational structure was necessary. Recognizing this need, James approached Sarepta’s team and proposed the integration of the clinic into Sarepta’s work. Sarepta adopted the housing initiative, and James's role evolved from project lead to an integral part of Sarepta's operations, where he played a crucial role in shaping its vision and addressing not just immediate needs but also systemic issues.  

Sarepta is an organization rooted in a community participatory approach, focusing on marginalized groups such as youth, children, women, those facing language barriers, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and others facing systemic challenges. Through a range of services including housing and legal assistance, financial literacy workshops, food security programs, grant support, and community advocacy efforts, Sarepta empowers individuals to navigate their path to stability and self-sufficiency. “By addressing interconnected issues stemming from events like housing instability, we can make a broader impact. This holistic approach enables us to touch more lives and tackle diverse challenges, from job development to food security,” said Eliscar.  

Their community-based strategies involve establishing partnerships and relationships with various entities including state and municipal governments, housing relief organizations, universities, and faith-based groups. “I don't think doing social action only is enough. It must also be connected to advocacy, policy and research.” 

Sarepta, led by individuals with firsthand experiences of displacement and homelessness, focuses on education, cooperative economics, and storytelling. They firmly believe in the importance of educating both themselves and the public about gentrification's nuances and displacement causes. They advocate for exploring cooperative economics as innovative solutions to address housing security from the ground up.   

They also believe in the power of narratives to cultivate empathy and empower clients as catalysts for change, not just passive beneficiaries. James's focus on uplifting their voices represents a shift in community empowerment. “Philanthropy is changing. The changes we're witnessing did not happen overnight; they've been gradually unfolding over time. It's about acknowledging that this transformation comes from actively listening to those we aim to serve. The voices of the community we serve hold the key to understanding our next steps. But we all require support in telling our stories effectively, and technical support is crucial,” said Eliscar. 

Judette's journey stands as an example. Originally from Haiti, Judette (a pseudonym to protect her identity) immigrated to the USA in 2002 with her husband and one of her daughters. She balanced nursing studies with employment until tragedy struck in 2016 when her husband passed away unexpectedly. With the sudden loss of his income, maintaining their home became untenable, leading to a series of evictions.  

Unable to afford rent, Judette found herself in a precarious situation, forced to move in with a friend while her daughter stayed with relatives. In 2020, she turned to Sarepta for assistance, drawn by its reputation for aiding those at risk of homelessness and facilitating paths to homeownership. Sarepta extended a crucial lifeline to Judette, providing not only food security but also comprehensive financial and legal support.  

"One single event pushed them to the brink of homelessness," remarked Eliscar, underscoring the fragile balance that many families like Judette's face. Yet, through the support of organizations like Sarepta and the resilience of individuals like Judette, there lies hope for rebuilding lives and communities from adversity. 

The financial literacy and tenant rights education Judette received through Sarepta changed her life. She now lives in a subsidized apartment with her daughter, working as a nursing assistant while pursuing homeownership. She has improved her credit score and is working toward completing her nursing degree for greater financial stability, Judette feels confident about her future. "After many years of struggle, I feel stable now; James always guides me by presenting options for my next steps," says Judette gratefully.  

In illustrating the transformative power of community-driven initiatives, James's journey with Sarepta embodies the essence of social impact—a convergence of personal passion and collective purpose. His story serves as an inspiration, urging others to transform their adversities into pathways for positive change. 

As Sarepta expands its reach and impact, it stands as a testament to the potential for grassroots initiatives to foster resilience and empowerment. “This grant is not just about financing, it’s about guidance, building capacity, assistance, help in conveying others and amplifying our work. Empowering organizations like ours to integrate firsthand experiences into our work allows for expansion and effectiveness. Thanks for supporting our vision and helping us create a sustainable housing realm,” said Eliscar.  

For more information contact: James Eliscar, Dir of Operations- Sarepta WCEC at sareptawcec@gmail.com