Re-Housing Program Provides Stability and Hope for Navy Veteran and Single Mother
Born and raised in Hamilton, Marshay enlisted in the Navy after graduating from Hamilton High School North in 2002. She was following in her older brother Michael’s footsteps. For the next four years, she served as a Quartermaster, navigating Navy vessels all around the world.
“It was a lot of responsibility,” she recalled. “But I liked it.” Not only did Marshay learn how to guide massive ships across the ocean but living in such close quarters also taught her valuable life lessons. “I learned my core values and how important it is to respect people.”
After her military service, Marshay transitioned to civilian life and accepted a position with a medical management firm. She has been with the company for 11 years and now serves as a senior leader, handling workers’ compensation cases.
Marshay is a single mother of a two-year-old son and 15-year-old daughter. When her brother Michael passed away, she also took in her 16-year-old niece. For several years, the family lived with a relative in a rented home. Life was stable until last year, when the relative unexpectedly announced they were moving to North Carolina.
Securing Housing Becomes a Daunting Task
When the property owner realized Marshay couldn’t afford the rent on her own, he decided to sell the home – leaving this single mom and her children needing a new place to live. But finding affordable housing in New Jersey is no easy task. With an estimated 200,000 affordable units needed to meet demand, the state is facing a severe housing crisis.
Juggling a full-time job and parenting, Marshay found the search exhausting. “I was looking for a place, but nothing was falling into my lap. It was stressful,” she said.
A friend suggested she contact Catholic Charities. “I called initially asking about rental assistance,” Marshay recalled. After explaining her situation to Case Manager Elizabeth Tomaszewski, she learned she was a good candidate for the Rapid Re-Housing program.
“Elizabeth went to work – every day, all day – looking for a home for us,” Marshay said. Within 30 days, Marshay was presented with several options for to consider.
In May 2024, Marshay and her children moved into an apartment. “Moving from a house to an apartment was a big adjustment,” she said, “but we’re happy to be in our own place.”
Case Manager Elizabeth Tomaszewski is still in touch with Marshay and follows up when she sees information or resources that may help provide for her family.
Learning to Manage Finances and More
In addition to helping Marshay find a new home, Elizabeth is helping her manage her finances. “My debt-to-income ratio was a mess,” Marshay admitted. Elizabeth helped her understand the importance of budgeting and saving. “Now, I have clear goals for what I need to save and a system of checks and balances to keep myself on track.”
The Rapid Re-Housing program uses a combination of federal and county funds to assist individuals and families in Mercer and Ocean counties find affordable, permanent housing. Participants can receive up to six months of financial assistance. The program also provides intensive case management and connects clients to additional community resources.
“Our goal is to ensure our housing placements are permanent,” said Elizabeth. “We give our clients the tools they need to manage their finances, repair their credit and save money. We can also assist with job searches if needed.”
“Elizabeth is always encouraging me,” Marshay said. “She gives me positive reinforcement and shares anything she thinks might benefit me. Elizabeth and Catholic Charities have helped me so much. I am forever grateful.”
For information about our housing programs, call 800–360–7711.
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