Author: Sunny Tuazon, 2026 Ideas Inspire Fellow

Searching for Stability 

When Oxana arrived in California alone, she had nowhere to call home. Without family support, she faced each day without stable housing, consistent income, or health insurance. 

Originally from Ukraine, the 62-year-old refugee first settled in New York when she arrived in the U.S. But to her, New York did not feel like home. “I suffered constantly there,” she said.  The stress of starting over took a toll on her health, and her blood pressure rose as she searched for a stable future. Her story is a reminder of what's possible when someone searching for safety finally has a place to land. 

She moved to California in search of a fresh start. For three months, she moved between hotels and short-term stays with friends. She picked up pet-sitting jobs just to have a place to sleep. No matter where she was, the conditions were always clear: Her stay there would be temporary. 

A Turning Point 

As the weeks passed and her housing situation remained uncertain, Oxana experienced a fortunate turn of events: She met an International Rescue Committee employee at her local church, who helped refer her to our services. She signed up for assistance through the IRC in San Jose. In less than two weeks, she was formally enrolled in our program and receiving direct help from our housing case management team. 

Our team found her housing options, spoke directly with landlords, and supported her applications. It was not an easy process. Application after application came back with the same answer: not enough income. But her case worker never stopped searching for a way forward. While waiting for responses, they helped her apply for health insurance and planned ways to support her basic needs. 

After weeks of uncertainty, Oxana finally received the news she had been hoping for, her application had been approved! Her caseworker had found her an apartment and helped her secure aid through the Housing Assistance for Ukrainians (HAU) program, an initiative that helps Ukrainian newcomers with utility fees and rent.  

“It was God’s blessing that they helped me,” Oxana said, recalling the overwhelming sense of relief she felt signing her lease. While Oxana is deeply grateful for the support she received, she emphasizes that rebuilding her life was a 50/50 partnership. As the IRC helped her navigate housing and benefits, she searched for work, secured caregiving jobs, and continued taking steps toward independence. 

A New Life 

In the comfort of her new apartment, Oxana enjoys cooking for her community at church and spending time with close friends. She expresses relief for stability, showing joy and gratitude for things that are often taken for granted: “I’m so happy to have my own furniture,” she said. “I feel safe and comfortable in my place.” 

Looking toward the future, Oxana hopes to strengthen her professional skills and pursue a career in bookkeeping. We have no doubt that her resilience and determination will allow her to succeed in whatever she sets out to do. For now, she is thankful for the stability she has built and excited for what comes next. 

"I am really grateful for your help," she said. "I want others to know about this kind of support, and I want to share this experience as much as possible." 

 

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