The Volunteers of America homelessness intervention program helps those in need of housing or at risk of losing their home. The organization needs the public’s help and through the “Your Caring Gifts,” campaign, you can help provide these services to those in need.

"I really am the definition of transition in life right now," says Celeste.

As Celeste picked out groceries from the VOA food pantry, she recalled moving to Rochester earlier this year with her three teenage children.

"Life was hectic, it was hard. I found a place to live, I wasn’t happy, but it was a place to call home," says Celeste.

But conditions at that home quickly fell apart.

"There were roaches and mice, the mice were like family sometimes," says Celeste.

Combined with the stench of animal waste from the apartment below, Celeste couldn't take it any more.

“We got evicted because I withheld my rent. I didn't know what else to do," says Celeste.

Social Services introduced Celeste to the VOA homelessness intervention program.

"We're looking to give people a hand up out of the situation that they're in. We're not looking to give them handouts," says Claudette Lowery, VOA HIP/SHIP Program Coordinator.

The hand up Celeste received included food assistance, temporary housing, and help getting a new place.

“I found housing, really nice housing and I love my new home," says Celeste.

The VOA program offers more than just food and housing assistance.

"Linkages in the community to get mental health services, to also look into job training, because she really wants to be employed," says Lowery.

"I'm blessed. I don't know what I would do without these guys, really truly. I don't know where we would be," says Celeste,

"We see people in need at the lowest point in their lives,” says Lowery.

But thanks to the VOA, Celeste says she's on the way back up.

"I feel like I have support now. When we first moved here it was just me and my kids and now I feel I have a sense of direction to help me get there," says Celeste.

To donate to the "Your Caring Gifts" campaign, call (585) 647-1150, or visit voawny.org.