Success Stories

A New House for 1-year Old Josie 219 259 admin

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 240 277 admin

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 368 454 admin

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 242 279 admin

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 228 289 admin

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 217 250 admin

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 337 449 admin

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 354 420 admin

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 368 408 admin

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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From Jail to a Bachelor’s Program 354 390 admin

From Jail to a Bachelor’s Program

David Barclay became eligible for early parole after nearly 20 years of incarceration but lacked confidence about finding employment. The Homeless Initiative-backed LA:RISE program at WDACS, in partnership with the Southeast LA AJCC and Center for Employment Opportunities, helped him…

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