Charles, 63, was chronically homeless for four years in Inglewood because of financial instability, mental health issues, and alcohol abuse.
The LAHSA outreach team temporarily housed Charles through Project Roomkey, but he struggled with the rules and again became homeless. After a concerned community member submitted a request through LA-HOP, Charles was connected to services once more.
A multidisciplinary team from Mental Health America of Los Angeles , a Measure H-funded service provider, had to build trust and rapport with Charles to connect him to mental health support, harm reduction techniques, and an Emergency Housing Voucher. They also helped him acquire his birth certificate, social security card, and California identification card.
Charles was matched to permanent supportive housing in Fairview Heights and is happy it is a safe place to have his family visit. “I tell everybody that will listen because I want folks to know, it ain’t too late. You have to be patient, stay on track, and keep the faith,” Charles said.