For Sadie E., the journey to finding a safe, stable home for her family was anything but easy. Her story is one of resilience, faith, and the transformative power of finding the right home and the right people to help her get there.
Sadie’s housing struggles began when a home she was renting from a private landlord fell into disrepair. Because of this, she shared: “Me and my children became homeless. We were staying in a hotel—one of those extended stays. It was really nasty.”
With nowhere else to go and the holidays approaching, Sadie was desperate to find a safe place for her family. That’s when she found Main Street Renewal.
“At first, I thought I probably wouldn’t get approved to be their renter because the homes were so nice,” she admitted. Despite her doubts, Sadie toured several homes, but one stood out immediately.
“When we walked in, it was just something about the home. It was so comfortable,” she said. “My kids were running around. It just felt like this is where we were supposed to be.” The emotional connection to the home was instant. Unlike other properties where her children felt tense, this one brought joy and ease. “It just felt like home,” she said.
Sadie remained cautiously optimistic about her chances of securing this home. She pushed through her apprehension and submitted her application, and to her welcome delight, she was approved.
The timing of her move was nothing short of serendipitous. “We moved into the Main Street Renewal home on my son’s birthday,” Sadie recalled.
“I told [Main Street Renewal’s Leasing specialist] I was homeless with my children, and she sped up the process. I’ll never forget that. I didn’t even have to meet anyone, just move in on my own.”
That move-in date of January 7, 2022, marked a turning point in Sadie’s life. It was the day she and her children transitioned from uncertainty to stability, and from isolation to community. Beyond the house itself, Sadie and her children found something equally valuable: a welcoming neighborhood.
“My neighbors welcomed me and my children. It really made us feel at home,” she said. “It’s a lot of older people in the neighborhood, and they’ve been so kind. Actually, my neighbors across the street have become my kid’s godparents.” And over the past three years in their Main Street Renewal home, her children have continued to thrive, establishing strong friendships with kids on the same block and even joining local sports teams.
Sadie’s previous experience with a private landlord had left her with low expectations. “[My previous manager] had me repairing the items in the home. I didn’t know any better,’ said admitted. “I thought that was part of renting.” But Main Street Renewal changed her perspective entirely. “When things need to be fixed here, Main Street Renewal is on it so quick ... it’s spoiled me,” she laughed.
She shared a specific example that left a lasting impression and underscored how responsive property management can mean so much more than just fixing an issue. “There was a leak in the garage,” Sadie recalled, “and my kids immediately asked, ‘Are we going back to the hotel?’ But I called Main Street Renewal, and they came that day. The man took a picture, went to the store, and fixed it. That gave my children the security of knowing we’re not going back to homelessness.”
Renting has also provided Sadie with additional benefits, including helping her grow financially. “Being in this home has helped me learn how to budget and become more financially literate,” she said.
For Sadie, Main Street Renewal didn’t just provide a house; it gave her and her children a home, a community, and a fresh start. “It just takes the pressure off. You don’t have to rush into buying a home when you can be in a home that’s comfortable, that’s being taken care of, until you’re ready.”
Having found the home, stability, and personal growth she and her family sought, Sadie had one final reflection on her rental home journey: “I really thank Main Street Renewal.”
Main Street Renewal is a licensed real estate brokerage.
We are focused on renovating and leasing homes across the country. We are proudly based in Austin, TX and have branches in 30 cities with more coming soon.