In December 2022, Kelly connected with the Downtown Women’s Center’s (DWC) Every Woman Housed Outreach Team while living in her encampment in front of the Skid Row Refresh Spot—where she had stayed for nearly a year. Mobility challenges made it difficult for her to access essential services, but with the support of the Durable Medical Equipment program, she received a brand-new cane, giving her newfound stability and independence.
From there, the outreach team helped Kelly gather crucial documents, including a new I.D., Social Security card, and benefits award letter—critical steps in her journey toward permanent housing. She soon moved into interim housing at the LA Grand Hotel, where she spent seven months actively engaging with her case manager and participating in DWC support groups.
Kelly’s perseverance paid off when she was matched with permanent supportive housing at the 6th St. Place apartments. On January 11, 2024, she signed her lease and officially moved into her own home. Now, more than a year later, Kelly remains housed, thriving, and embracing this new chapter of stability and security.
Her story is a testament to the power of housing-first solutions and the unwavering support of the DWC community.