Tahnie- with Salvation Army Rehabilitation Center, Santa Monica
How and which agencies contributed?
When I first came to the Salvation Army I was broken and depressed, even my self esteem and motivation was gone. I fell into a state of continuous downfall after more and more bad decisions. I was homeless living on skid row and I could not get any help from any organization while I was stuck in downtown LA. I had made my way into Santa Monica one day and came across the Hope Outreach team at the Salvation Army Corps. They showed great interest in what my needs were at the time and offered to help by sending me to the Salvation Army Rehab in Santa Monica.
I checked into the rehab for six months where I was introduced to God and was taught how to live without the use of drugs and alcohol. The tools I learned have kept me clean and sober and with the help from the Salvation Army and Back On My Feet I have recently moved into sober living and I have been hired to work for the Salvation Army.
Before this new found life that I get to live today, I was battling drug addiction, homelessness, and was not able to maintain work. I dealt with not having healthcare (physical/mental) needs met.
The Salvation Army is not just a place to stay, it has structure, and helps people get back to the person they are meant to be. I have learned to never be afraid of something that is meant to destroy you, but to use the tools provided to fight for a better outcome for yourself.
How and which agencies contributed?
- Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center Santa Monica
- Santa Monica Salvation Army Corps
- Back On My Feet
When I first came to the Salvation Army I was broken and depressed, even my self esteem and motivation was gone. I fell into a state of continuous downfall after more and more bad decisions. I was homeless living on skid row and I could not get any help from any organization while I was stuck in downtown LA. I had made my way into Santa Monica one day and came across the Hope Outreach team at the Salvation Army Corps. They showed great interest in what my needs were at the time and offered to help by sending me to the Salvation Army Rehab in Santa Monica.
I checked into the rehab for six months where I was introduced to God and was taught how to live without the use of drugs and alcohol. The tools I learned have kept me clean and sober and with the help from the Salvation Army and Back On My Feet I have recently moved into sober living and I have been hired to work for the Salvation Army.
Before this new found life that I get to live today, I was battling drug addiction, homelessness, and was not able to maintain work. I dealt with not having healthcare (physical/mental) needs met.
The Salvation Army is not just a place to stay, it has structure, and helps people get back to the person they are meant to be. I have learned to never be afraid of something that is meant to destroy you, but to use the tools provided to fight for a better outcome for yourself.
Yubi- with Venice Community Housing
I am writing to share my experience living at VCH’s Westminster TLC shelter. Before I arrived at the shelter, my experience being homeless was horrible and I was worried about living with my two girls. The stigma of shelters was a bit scary. However, when I arrived at TLC, everything changed. The shelter was very nicely set up and the staff was welcoming and supportive. I finally felt like I had a safe place to live with my girls, and the program offered all the tools I needed to be where I am today. Emotional support was also very important to me.
Thanks to the program, I was able to accomplish my goals. I saved my income, furthered my work experience, learned new skills to improve my future work prospects, and, most importantly, secured permanent housing for my family. While at TLC, my kids were enrolled in tutoring and attended arts and crafts activities and outings. Our experience at TLC was very positive and has completely changed our lives.
I would like to mention that the staff at TLC was great. I feel that they genuinely want to help and work with families in crisis, not just for the pay, but to do the job with care. They do not leave you alone every step of the way. I am very grateful to have my home and to have been at TLC.
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter.
I am writing to share my experience living at VCH’s Westminster TLC shelter. Before I arrived at the shelter, my experience being homeless was horrible and I was worried about living with my two girls. The stigma of shelters was a bit scary. However, when I arrived at TLC, everything changed. The shelter was very nicely set up and the staff was welcoming and supportive. I finally felt like I had a safe place to live with my girls, and the program offered all the tools I needed to be where I am today. Emotional support was also very important to me.
Thanks to the program, I was able to accomplish my goals. I saved my income, furthered my work experience, learned new skills to improve my future work prospects, and, most importantly, secured permanent housing for my family. While at TLC, my kids were enrolled in tutoring and attended arts and crafts activities and outings. Our experience at TLC was very positive and has completely changed our lives.
I would like to mention that the staff at TLC was great. I feel that they genuinely want to help and work with families in crisis, not just for the pay, but to do the job with care. They do not leave you alone every step of the way. I am very grateful to have my home and to have been at TLC.
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter.
Jason Neal- with The People Concern
I’m Jason Neal. I experienced homelessness for over 18 years.
Growing up in a single-parent household presented challenges, which led me down a path of gang affiliation. By the age of 15, I was introduced to drugs, a decision that altered my life significantly.
As the years passed, I became a stranger to two partners and my children. I experienced deep despair and gave up on myself. For 18 years, I wandered through California's streets, with eight of those years marked by heavy drug use.
When I turned 30 years old, I wanted to change my life. I decided to leave my gang ties behind and reunite with my children. That’s when I reconnected with The People Concern, an organization I had encountered years earlier when I visited their Access Center in Santa Monica for showers, food, and clothing.
Five months ago, the Housing Coordinator at LA CADA introduced me to a case manager from The People Concern. My case manager has provided unwavering support, guiding me through the entire process and helping with necessary paperwork.
I have reclaimed my life. I'm pursuing my education to become an addiction counselor, aiming to assist others. I've rekindled my relationship with my children and embraced the joy of meeting my first grandson. Although my journey has only just begun, I’m very happy and safe knowing I have a home and ongoing support from The People Concern. At Avenida, I've found a place to thrive.
To anyone experiencing homelessness, I want to say that we must stay strong, keep faith, and set goals to keep moving forward. Reach out because there is help available for all of us.
I’m Jason Neal. I experienced homelessness for over 18 years.
Growing up in a single-parent household presented challenges, which led me down a path of gang affiliation. By the age of 15, I was introduced to drugs, a decision that altered my life significantly.
As the years passed, I became a stranger to two partners and my children. I experienced deep despair and gave up on myself. For 18 years, I wandered through California's streets, with eight of those years marked by heavy drug use.
When I turned 30 years old, I wanted to change my life. I decided to leave my gang ties behind and reunite with my children. That’s when I reconnected with The People Concern, an organization I had encountered years earlier when I visited their Access Center in Santa Monica for showers, food, and clothing.
Five months ago, the Housing Coordinator at LA CADA introduced me to a case manager from The People Concern. My case manager has provided unwavering support, guiding me through the entire process and helping with necessary paperwork.
I have reclaimed my life. I'm pursuing my education to become an addiction counselor, aiming to assist others. I've rekindled my relationship with my children and embraced the joy of meeting my first grandson. Although my journey has only just begun, I’m very happy and safe knowing I have a home and ongoing support from The People Concern. At Avenida, I've found a place to thrive.
To anyone experiencing homelessness, I want to say that we must stay strong, keep faith, and set goals to keep moving forward. Reach out because there is help available for all of us.
Julisa Merwin- with A Sense of Home
ASOH’s Westside Coalition Honoree Submission:
Growing up, Julisa faced many challenges that affected her life's trajectory. Her mother's mental health struggles led Julisa's grandmother to become the primary caregiver until she passed away when Julisa was 13 years old. Losing their home as a result, Julisa and her siblings fell into homelessness and dropped out of school. Eventually, they entered foster care and lived in transitional housing until they aged out of the system. Life took a positive turn in 2019 when Julisa gave birth to her son Ezekiel and obtained housing, however they had no furniture or home essentials to make her space comfortable. “I remember not having anything. I was eating on the floor. It felt terrible that as a mom I couldn’t give my son what I thought he deserved,” says Julisa.
That’s when A Sense of Home (ASOH) stepped in to provide support. In 90-minutes, ASOH's team, along with our pay-it-forward Alumni and dedicated volunteers, transformed Julisa's empty space into a fully furnished home. This experience changed Julisa's life, helped her regain her confidence, focus on motherhood, and pursue a Nursing career.
We are so proud of how far Julisa has come. Today, she is a Licensed Vocational Nurse and pays it forward by creating homes for former foster youths as often as she can. “My Home Creation was such a raw human experience. I felt connection on a level that I’ve never felt anywhere else,” says Julisa “I want to give that feeling to other foster youth.” Julisa’s inspiring story shows that even in the face of adversity, with support, it’s possible to overcome challenges and achieve your dreams.
ASOH’s Westside Coalition Honoree Submission:
Growing up, Julisa faced many challenges that affected her life's trajectory. Her mother's mental health struggles led Julisa's grandmother to become the primary caregiver until she passed away when Julisa was 13 years old. Losing their home as a result, Julisa and her siblings fell into homelessness and dropped out of school. Eventually, they entered foster care and lived in transitional housing until they aged out of the system. Life took a positive turn in 2019 when Julisa gave birth to her son Ezekiel and obtained housing, however they had no furniture or home essentials to make her space comfortable. “I remember not having anything. I was eating on the floor. It felt terrible that as a mom I couldn’t give my son what I thought he deserved,” says Julisa.
That’s when A Sense of Home (ASOH) stepped in to provide support. In 90-minutes, ASOH's team, along with our pay-it-forward Alumni and dedicated volunteers, transformed Julisa's empty space into a fully furnished home. This experience changed Julisa's life, helped her regain her confidence, focus on motherhood, and pursue a Nursing career.
We are so proud of how far Julisa has come. Today, she is a Licensed Vocational Nurse and pays it forward by creating homes for former foster youths as often as she can. “My Home Creation was such a raw human experience. I felt connection on a level that I’ve never felt anywhere else,” says Julisa “I want to give that feeling to other foster youth.” Julisa’s inspiring story shows that even in the face of adversity, with support, it’s possible to overcome challenges and achieve your dreams.
Tracey Williams- St. Joseph Center
I experienced five years of homelessness before I secured my project-based unit. My journey was particularly challenging due to my battle with mental illness and my efforts to abstain from substances. In the face of overwhelming odds, I not only overcame the barriers that substance use had placed in my path but also showed significant improvement in my mental health. While participating in the ODR Housing program, I not only successfully completed my probation but also remained free from any further involvement with the justice system. My story is undeniably exceptional, I'm hopeful my story can motivate others. I'm so grateful to SJC ODR ICMS and SJC FSP for the patience, compassion and support as part of my journey."
I experienced five years of homelessness before I secured my project-based unit. My journey was particularly challenging due to my battle with mental illness and my efforts to abstain from substances. In the face of overwhelming odds, I not only overcame the barriers that substance use had placed in my path but also showed significant improvement in my mental health. While participating in the ODR Housing program, I not only successfully completed my probation but also remained free from any further involvement with the justice system. My story is undeniably exceptional, I'm hopeful my story can motivate others. I'm so grateful to SJC ODR ICMS and SJC FSP for the patience, compassion and support as part of my journey."