Gaye Rowley, 63, is living a life of stability and purpose in her cozy studio apartment, just steps away from her part-time job at Newburgh Ministry. It’s a life she cherishes after years of uncertainty and challenges.
“Every day, I thank God for this opportunity,” said Gaye. “It’s a blessing to finally have a place to call home.”
Gaye’s apartment is part of an affordable housing community in Newburgh, made possible through the support of Catholic Charities’ Newburgh Ministry. After years of hard work, setbacks, and resilience, Gaye now has a safe, secure place to live and a job that allows her to help others.
A Journey of Resilience and Faith
Born and raised in Long Island, Gaye graduated from Freeport High School in 1978 and built a life working in retail. She spent years as a dedicated employee at 1-800-FLOWERS before the 2008 financial crisis caused her to lose her job. From there, her life took a difficult turn.
“I lost my apartment after my mother and sister passed away back to back,” she said. “I had to separate from my son so he could finish school with his classmates.”
After moving to Georgia in search of better opportunities, Gaye returned to New York when things didn’t work out. She eventually found herself at the Newburgh Ministry shelter during the COVID-19 pandemic. She quickly found a welcoming and supportive community. Gaye said:
The staff welcomed me with open arms. They made me feel very comfortable during one of the hardest times of my life.
Finding Stability and a Place to Call Home
Gaye’s determination to rebuild her life never wavered. She applied for countless housing opportunities, documented her progress in a notebook, and kept pushing forward despite numerous setbacks. Her perseverance paid off when she was approved for a studio apartment just as she became eligible for early retirement.
When I walked into my new apartment, I couldn’t believe it. I kept pinching myself. It was everything I had prayed for.
The apartment, with its modern amenities and 24-hour security, provided Gaye with a sense of safety and belonging. She describes it as a vibrant community, offering activities like yoga, movie nights, and a farmers’ market.
Gaye also found purpose in her role at Newburgh Ministry. Initially volunteering by folding towels and helping in the kitchen, she was later offered a part-time position preparing meals for shelter residents and visitors.
“This is the best job I’ve ever had,” Gaye said. “It’s rewarding to help others and know I’m making a difference.”
A Testament to Perseverance and Support
For Gaye, her journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and the importance of asking for help. She credits Catholic Charities for providing her with the support she needed to get back on her feet.
“Catholic Charities has always been there for me” she said. “The donations they provide are well-needed and well-spent. They’ve been a real blessing.”
Now, Gaye encourages others facing similar struggles to keep pushing forward. “You’re going to hear a lot of ‘no,’ but you have to keep knocking on doors,” she said. “You can’t give up.”
Today, Gaye is thriving in her new chapter of life—grateful for the opportunities she’s received and dedicated to paying it forward by serving others. Her journey reflects Catholic Charities’ 50-year commitment to addressing the affordable housing and homelessness crisis by building and sustaining affordable apartments for low-income individuals, including those who are formerly homeless, mentally ill, refugees, and seniors. With holistic wraparound services embedded on-site, Catholic Charities ensures residents like Gaye not only secure housing but also thrive, creating scalable and lasting solutions that bring hope and dignity to those in need.
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