The idea of moms living on the streets or in shelters with their children is heartbreaking. Many are escaping abusive relationships and are forced to leave with nothing, and often with little job experience or skills. 

Deborah Koenigsberger decided she would do something about that, and she formed Hearts of Gold. Their mission: to reimagine the futures of those moms and their kids as they prepare to transition from the city’s shelter system into permanent homes. Koenigsberger joins In Focus to talk about the success her organization has had since she founded it 27 years ago. 

She explains their three-pronged approach, to stabilize, support and sustain the women who come to them for help. She talks about their job training program, which comes in the form of The Thrifty HoG, a re-sale shop where these women learn about retail and responsibility and gain on-the-job experience. 

Then there’s HoG Fresh Start University, providing training and support for moms who want to go back to school. They also offer tutoring programs for children.

Laurie Harten went to Hearts of Gold when she was at the end of her tether.  She joins In Focus to talk about the help, support and friendship she received at the hands of the organization, and how it has served her as she moved into her own housing with her child, breaking her cycle of homelessness.