Raquel began struggling with alcoholism after she started drinking as a teenager. After being incarcerated for a drug offense and completing a recovery program in prison, Raquel was sober when she exited prison. But with no place to go, she slept in her car while her children stayed with her mother.

Through Facing Forward, Raquel was connected with long-term housing and support to help her reunite with her children. Today, Raquel is nearly seven years sober and focused on maintaining her happy, stable home. Her oldest daughter just graduated from high school and the rest of her children are thriving in school. Raquel never forgets where she’s been – she works hard to stay on track and is confident that she and her children will never experience homelessness again.