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Transitional house proves 100% successful, gets women back on track

A transitional housing program through a Little rock shelter has proven to be successful for domestic or sexual assault victims trying to get back on their feet.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) – A transitional housing program through a Little rock shelter has proven to be successful for domestic or sexual assault victims trying to get back on their feet.

Women and Children First in Little Rock started the program four years ago. As 2018 comes to an end, the program still has a 100 percent success rate.

"There's help out there," Latoya Eggerson said. "There's people that are willing to help you.”

Eggerson came to the shelter in October. She is now preparing to move into her own apartment with her one year old daughter through the program. This way she can get the help she needs from the comfort of her own home.

"I've been able to learn myself and be able to become a real good parent," she said. "I've been able to overcome a lot of things.”

Eggerson said living at the shelter has given her strength to move on from her past, and to start a future.

"I probably wouldn't still be alive," she said. "I was in a really bad predicament. Almost dead predicament.”

Transitional housing coordinator Lekita Colclough said the shelter moved in over 20 families this year. She said women have to be working or have enough income to meet program requirements.

"The program is for three months of financial assistance which is rent, security deposit and we do have a grant now for furniture,” Colclough said.

Colclough said the shelter works with apartment complexes and landlords to find the perfect fit for the women and their families. Once moved out, the women can still continue getting help through the shelter by going to meeting and reporting to their mentors.

“They’ll meet with me weekly to discuss your goals," she said. "You have to maintain a healthy unit.”

Eggerson does not move into transitional housing until after the holidays, but she said she is ready to start her life with her daughter.

"This is pretty much one of the best things that happened to me so far and I love it," Eggerson said. "It's not even Christmas yet but it's the best Christmas gift ever. I'm very thankful.”

If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault, you can call the Women and Children First hotline at 501-376-3219.

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