SPA 5 CES Success Stories
ThomasOver the past few months my client, Thomas C, has transitioned from living on the streets to his own apartment in Los Angeles. Thomas was homeless for over 20 years in the Venice, CA area and became eager to move indoors once he started experiencing severe arthritis, likely caused by years of sleeping and recycling on the streets. After Thomas moved in to his own apartment, his lifestyle changed completely. He was previously discouraged by the “craziness” of life on the streets and thefts that had occurred multiple times with his belongings. Now, Thomas keeps his apartment immaculate and enjoys cleaning and cooking for himself. He also is able to sleep on a mattress and sit in chairs in his apartment, which significantly help with his arthritis pain. In addition, Thomas’s overall mood has improved. He takes pride in keeping up his hygiene and is well-rested – a far cry from when he would sleep in an alley near the Venice boardwalk. Each time I visit Thomas in his apartment he is jovial and noticeably proud of all the progress he has made in just a short time.
|
SueSue came to VCHIP as a Senior Services referral with a history of on and off homeless that had persisted for several years. Sue was an outgoing, affectionate and caring personality who had a gift of drawing in any and all who got to know her, providers and peers alike. Despite her history of significant and long lasting trauma, Sue persevered and rarely appeared less than optimistic about her future. When she came to VCHIP, she expressed a need for support with maneuvering through the system and presented with little to no belief in her own abilities and strengths. Sue spoke openly about the years of her life spent trying to erase traumatic memories, including 20+ years of addiction (alcohol, cocaine, heroin and meth), and the resulting pervasive mental illness that ensued as a result of her traumatic past (PTSD and Depression). Sue felt hindered by her lack of experience in the “real world” and had accepted her homeless status as all that she deserved. Provided with a little push and a boost of self-esteem, Sue demonstrated her commitment to housing by showing up to each appointment, following through with tasks and accepting all help that was offered to her. As a result of her efficient and hardworking nature, Sue was quickly able to locate a beautiful apartment in Hollywood, and signed a lease in March 2013. Sue has spent the last 2 months furnishing, organizing and transforming her apartment into a home, in preparation for her housewarming party which invited her many supporters to gather and celebrate her much deserved accomplishment. She is a gifted artist who now spends much of her free time re-creating world famous paintings on her easel, the first piece of personal belonging that she brought into her new home.
|
|
|
|
RBOur client, RB became homeless in Arkansas in 2009 after being unable to find work and afford housing. He traveled to Downtown Los Angeles and was homeless and sleeping on the streets and in emergency shelters there before traveling to Santa Monica. Since becoming engaged at the Access Center he has utilized our showers, lockers, mail program, clothing closet, phone service, and meal program. He also received assistance in applying for SSI benefits and was approved 3/1/2014. RB has saved over $3000 through Turning Point’s money management for his move in costs. RB was screened through CES and had a high three vulnerability rating. As a result of his vulnerability screening, he was selected to receive a housing voucher for the Shelter Plus Care Program. Since receiving his voucher in April of 2014, RB just signed his lease and moved into his own apartment. His mental health has already improved and he is excited to finally have his own place. He is a true success story and will be a great tenant in housing.
|