Success Story: Woman Living in Car Moves into Home

Nicole Eschendal’s life fell apart last September after she was the victim of a terrible crime. The 22-year-old from Buffalo, Minn. was sexually assaulted, leaving her heavily depressed and unable to work.

Without a job she quickly became homeless. Her house became her ’91 Buick, which she slept in during the freezing cold of fall and winter. Occasionally she’d stay with friends or her mom, but they would only take her in for short periods of time. Then, it was back to her car.   
“It was so hard,” Eschendal said. “I would drive around with the heat on, or else I’d go to (a 24-hour grocery store). But you can only sit or walk around in those places for so long before they start thinking you’re stealing or you’re crazy.”

Of course, Eschendal was not a thief and she was not insane. She was the victim of a horrible crime, with nobody to lean on for support. She was a normal person, left completely alone, carrying a burden most people cannot comprehend.

Thankfully, her life changed in January when she discovered The Salvation Army’s office in Buffalo, one of 16 social service offices in the Twin Cities metro area. There she met case manager Brenden Tesch.

“He got me into a hotel room for seven days and got me vouchers for food, gas and hygiene products,” said Eschendal, who Tesch began assisting for several months. “He was awesome. I would not be where I am today without him.”

And where, exactly, is she?

In her very own home. Working with the St. Cloud Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Tesch helped secure Eschendal an apartment in Buffalo. Rent is being paid with county assistance and by The Salvation Army until she gets another job, after which she’ll pay a reduced rate based on her income.

In addition, Tesch helped Eschendal furnish the apartment by connecting her with Bridging, a nonprofit group that gives donated furniture to people in need. Eschendal picked out her furniture June 8 (to view photos click here).

Most importantly, Tesch helped give Eschendal a new life.

“Brenden was an angel in disguise,” Eschendal said. “And the people who donate to The Salvation Army are angels. It’s amazing how much The Salvation Army did for me. There are some of us who don’t have anything – I didn’t even have a toothbrush, let alone a couch or a home. I am so thankful.”