RACHEL R.

Rachel R., 75 years young, first came to our offices last summer after becoming substantially behind in her rent. Originally from Minnesota, she once taught rock icon Bob Dylan in Sunday School! In New York, she worked in the fashion and publishing industries. For the past 36 years, she's lived in the same rent-controlled apartment building in Manhattan.

EIS helped Rachel in many ways. Confronted with a fast-approaching court date regarding her overdue rent and admittedly naive and intimidated by the legal system, Rachel was first provided with practical advice, direction and support by EIS staffers with law backgrounds. Thereafter, EIS provided Rachel with financial assistance of $1,000. It was also suggested she get a roommate to share her rent. Finally, EIS is advising Rachel on her new business venture: Rachel's Cultural Walks & Talks!

When she stopped by our offices today, Rachel was in good spirits. She told us the most important part of our assistance was the encouragement she was given to help her overcome her problems. She said: "I wouldn't be here today... I wouldn't be smiling... I wouldn't be thriving... without EIS! They were my cheerleaders!"

TIESHEIA Y.

Tiesheia Y., a single mother living in the Bronx with two young children, visited us today because she can't pay her rent and faces eviction in six days. She's been in court with her landlord since 2007.

Tiesheia used to have HSP (Housing Stability Plus, the nation's largest local rental subsidy program for the homeless) helping her. HSP made an arrangement with her landlord to lower her rent. But HSP mistakenly stopped paying her rent for five months, which exacerbated her problems. In December 2008, HSP finally made up all her payments. However, her landlord said she still owed about $3,600.

Tiesheia came to us to get among all involved parties and help settle her dispute. EIS's first step is to issue a show cause order in court to stop the impending eviction.