Sylvia’s Story
A cancer survivor, 68 year-old Sylvia became homeless for two years after the friend with whom she had been sharing the cost of rent left LA. She heard about the weekly “Shower of Hope” event at Lario Park and decided…
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A New House for 1-year Old Josie
Karen Torres, 24, and Pedro Guerrero, 23, separated after losing their home, and Karen began living in her car with their then 1-year-old daughter, Josie. A woman saw them in the car and referred them to the Alliance for Children’s…
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From Homeless to Housed: Shasha’s Story
After serving three years and eight months in prison, Shasha Martinez,38, was released into Vinewood, a court-ordered housing facility, that immediately helped her enroll in Goodwill’s Alternative Staffing Organizations (ASO) program. Within 10 days, she had obtained a subsidized temp…
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From Homeless to Housed: Wesley’s Story
In Wesley K’s own words: “It all started with my new rock bottom, which was getting kicked out of my parent’s house, overdosing, and getting arrested – all in the same week.” He sought inpatient and outpatient substance use disorder…
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From Homeless to Housed: Lacheryl’s Story
Lacheryl Mitchell, 56, lost her home after her longtime partner deceived her into thinking that rent was being paid. She found out the truth when the eviction notice came. While living in her car, she lost her 18-year old daughter…
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From Homeless to Housed: David’s Story
David Gendreau, 44, ended up couch surfing after losing his job. Through CEO Social Enterprise, he was able to get subsidized employment as part of a Caltrans cleanup crew. At the same time, the LA:RISE program at America’s Job Center…
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From Homeless to Housed: Yasmin’s Story
When her mother became gravely ill and unable to work, Yasmin Velez,18, dropped out of high school to support her family. Through the LA:RISE program, she obtained a job at the Los Angeles Conservation Corps as well as food and…
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Kristen is Guided Towards Employment and Permanent Housing
Kristen Byles, 24, and the mother of a 5-year-old girl and 1-year-old boy, became homeless after her father and stepmother moved out of state. When she could no longer remain with her boyfriend and his family, she stayed in hotels,…
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A Survivor Receives Support
Fleeing domestic violence, Kristen White slept in her car for two years at Hawaiian Gardens before LAHSA’s HET street outreach teams placed her into Project Roomkey. To avoid triggering her past substance use, she transferred to a shelter in Bellflower…
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Vouchers Allow Father and Son to Stay by Each Other’s Side
Army vet Robert Rangel, 78 and his son, Trino, 47, have always been by each other’s side. After living in motels for a decade, they were running out of money. With support from the Homeless Initiative, Volunteers of America Los…
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