Survivor Stories
Real women. Real homes. Real freedom.
These are the stories of survivors who turned courage into keys. Names and some details have been changed to protect privacy, shared with each person's consent.
Featured Story
Maria T.
"I never thought I'd own a home. After everything I went through, the idea felt impossible. Rise Foundation didn't just give me a grant — they gave me back my belief in the future."
After leaving a 9-year abusive marriage, Maria found herself starting over at 38 with two children, a part-time job, and a credit score that reflected years of financial control by her abuser.
She spent two years in transitional housing, working with a financial counselor to rebuild her credit and save what she could. But the down payment remained out of reach — every time she got close, an emergency would set her back.
A case worker at her shelter told her about Rise Foundation. Within six months of applying, Maria closed on a 3-bedroom home in a quiet Atlanta neighborhood. Her children have their own rooms for the first time in their lives.
"The day I got the keys, I sat in my car and cried for twenty minutes," Maria says. "Not from sadness — from relief. From knowing that no one could ever take this away from us."
More stories of hope
Denise W.
"My daughter asked me if this was really our house. I said yes, baby — it's ours. Nobody can make us leave."
After fleeing with her daughter at 2am, Denise spent 18 months rebuilding. Rise Foundation's grant helped her close on a home near her daughter's school.
Priya S.
"I came to this country with nothing. I left my marriage with nothing. Now I have everything that matters."
An immigrant survivor who faced both domestic abuse and immigration uncertainty, Priya worked with Rise Foundation's navigator to navigate both housing and legal resources.
Tamara J.
"For the first time in my adult life, I feel safe. Not just okay — actually safe. That's what home means to me now."
Tamara, a nurse and mother of three, used her Rise Foundation grant to purchase a home close to her hospital, finally eliminating a two-hour commute she'd endured for years.
Rosa M.
"I planted a garden in my backyard. Something I always dreamed of but was never allowed to do. Small things matter so much."
Rosa's story of rebuilding after a decade of abuse inspired Rise Foundation to expand its credit counseling program. She now volunteers as a peer mentor for new applicants.
Angela K.
"The housing navigator held my hand through every step. I didn't feel alone for the first time in years."
Angela, a teacher, used her grant to purchase a condo near her school. She credits Rise Foundation's navigator with helping her understand every document she signed.
Keisha B.
"My mom cried when she saw my house. She said she prayed for this moment every single day."
Keisha, a first-generation homeowner, purchased a home in her childhood neighborhood. Her grant allowed her to stay close to her support network while starting fresh.
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