Homeless Success Stories: Hudson County Woman Finds Hope at Hoboken Shelter, Local United Way

With the voice of an angel, Hudson County resident Mirna Zapata knows that she is one of the lucky ones. A college graduate, her path to homelessness was unexpected, as is the case with many who find themselves without a home.

“I had everything going for me including a good job,” Ms. Zapata, a Rutgers graduate, said. “Unfortunately, I met someone and relocated to Michigan with him. After the relationship turned unhealthy, I left with only the clothes on my back and my car.”

When Ms. Zapata returned to Hudson County, she stayed with family and friends. Unfortunately, she was unable to find steady employment. She finally found an apartment that she could afford but was evicted by the landlord when it was determined that it was an illegal sublet without her knowledge.

“I found myself with no money and sick from living on the streets,” Ms. Zapata. “Thankfully, with the help of Jersey City Medical Center, Hoboken Shelter and the United Way of Hudson County, I was able to get back on my feet.”

With the help of United Way of Hudson County and its partners, Zapata is grateful for the apartment she obtained through a Collaborative Solutions program, a place she now calls home.

Collaborative Solutions is a leading homeless prevention service that houses formerly homeless individuals in permanent affordable housing.

“Affordable housing is an almost extinct word,” Carmel Galasso, Housing Director for UWHC said. “We realize that the cost of housing is skyrocketing and finding someone who can fit the strict program guidelines is even a harder. We have been so honored to assist Mirna in her journey home.”

“The United Way of Hudson County is beautiful and provides people with the opportunity to rehabilitate themselves,” Ms. Zapata said. “It is a two way street. I have to continue to do my role and they do theirs. I am so thankful; I have a stable apartment, a place to call home. I respect my housing.”

Ms. Zapata continues working hard to regain the life she lost and recapture her dreams. Her true joys come from singing and writing. She performs professionally on occasion and trains at the Singers Forum in New York with Wendy Russell. She also penned an unpublished memoir entitled “Little Miss Anonymous Thursdays with Nancy,” which details her experience with homelessness and her time and discussions with her life coach at the Hoboken Shelter.

“The United Way relies on financial and in-kind donations of food, clothing and household items to do our work,” Ms. Galasso said. “As people gather for the holidays, in little assistance helps us help more people like Mirna.”

About the United Way of Hudson County

The United Way of Hudson County improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community to advance the common good. Established in 1936, United Way of Hudson County envisions a world where all individuals and families achieve their human potential through education, income stability and healthy lives.

The shelter’s staff, partners and volunteers are committed to ending the cycle of poverty by addressing homelessness, housing and hunger, and by giving our children the skills they need to succeed in life. With the power to convene, United Way of Hudson County is a first responder to the big issues confronting our neighborhoods.

The Holiday season is the perfect time to give back to those in need. Hosting a fundraiser or food drive in the Mile Square? Know a great place to volunteer? Send a note to Patch Editor, Emily Everson, at emily.everson@patch.com.

Information courtesy of Simas Urbonavicius, Hudson County United Way. Photo courtesy of the Hoboken Homeless Shelter.