“I was looking for a better way of life and a better education for my son,” Lisbeth Matos Cruz said, when she left Puerto Rico. They lived with a relative in Rhode Island initially, but then circumstances grew intolerable.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A home for the holidays.

Homeless no more.

That is the story Lisbeth Matos Cruz brings us this Christmas, courtesy of Crossroads Rhode Island, which assisted Cruz and her son Jamuel, 15, in finding an apartment after they were forced to leave the discomfort of the place where they had been living.

Not now. Their new apartment on this recent wintry afternoon was warm and warmly decorated.

“God bless our home,” read the silver stencil on a living room wall.

“I am thankful for mama,” read one line on a Thanksgiving card Jamuel had created.

“I am thankful for family,” read another.

The card topped the Christmas tree that the son and mother had placed in the kitchen, where a poinsettia graced the table. A Christmas tree, on their first Christmas they would not celebrate in their native Puerto Rico.

Through translator Cynthia Dukes, her case manager at Crossroads, Lisbeth recounted the circumstances that brought her to the mainland, and then — almost — to the city streets.

“I was looking for a better way of life and a better education for my son,” Lisbeth said, when she left Puerto Rico. They lived with a relative in Rhode Island initially, but by June circumstances had grown intolerable.

"His way of living was not the best,” Lisbeth said.

Staff and students studying English with her at Dorcas International advised her to call United Way’s 211 help number. Lisbeth was connected to Crossroads, which provided temporary housing in its family shelter for her and Jamuel as they worked toward a more durable life.

“Philosophically, Crossroads follows the very effective ‘housing first’ model,” Laura Calenda, chief marketing and philanthropy officer told The Providence Journal. “Research shows that providing individuals and families with a stable place to call home is a critical first step to helping them address the other issues which may have led to them being homeless. In fact, 75 to 91 percent of households remain housed a year after rapid ‘rehousing.’ ”

Lisbeth, who had no job, either, embraced the approach.

“I really just wanted the little help I need to get out of the situation I was in, being homeless,” she said. “I did not want to have to depend on the government helping me. So I looked for work and getting myself back on my feet.”

In September, Crossroads found her the apartment. According to Calenda, Crossroads “owns or manages 375 housing units throughout the state” and provides assistance with more than 150 additional units on the private market.

Lisbeth gave momentary thought to returning to Puerto Rico, where her grown children live, but September’s Hurricane Maria, which devastated the island, eliminated that option.

Mother and son were Rhode Islanders. And Lisbeth in late November entered the workforce, finding employment with a packaging firm.

“I am 100-percent grateful to Crossroads and to the staff,” she told The Journal.

“We’re thrilled that we were able to give Lisbeth and her son the helping hand they needed to get their lives back on track,” said Calenda.  “We are also hard at work finding permanent homes for the 63 children in 26 families that are currently staying in our shelters.  No one should have to be homeless for the holidays.”

“I’m getting emotional,” Lisbeth said, tears filling her eyes. “I feel good. I’m very thankful.”

For those who are where she once was, she said “take the opportunity that any agency like Crossroads gives you. Put effort in, follow the rules, and let them help you.”

And, of course, “Feliz Navidad, and a happy New Year.”