“The emergency shelter has been the best thing that has happened to me. I felt at home as soon as I arrived.”
Denise became homeless at the age of 34 after the unexpected death of her mother. Denise was born with a learning disability that challenged her ability to obtain an education and employment. She relied on her mother as her sole caregiver. When she passed, Denise lacked the skills to be self-sufficient. She lost her housing, had no income, and her mental health was in decline.
Before coming to our emergency shelter on Walworth Street, Denise attempted to reconnect with extended family, stayed at various shelters, and a group home. These living situations did not address Denise’s growing mental health concerns.
Denise worked with SOS case managers to create a service plan that addressed her needs. While in our shelter, Denise obtained identification, a critical component to reconnect her with Social Security Disability Insurance benefits that had lapsed during her period of unstable housing. She began taking classes to obtain her GED, attending art therapy, and with our help applied for housing programs appropriate for her needs.
In July, Denise moved from the emergency shelter into a community residence that supports adults with mental health diagnoses. Denise continues working on her GED and is planning to rent an apartment in the near future.
Your contributions to SOS provided Denise with shelter and the support she needed to find her path to independence.
Before coming to our emergency shelter on Walworth Street, Denise attempted to reconnect with extended family, stayed at various shelters, and a group home. These living situations did not address Denise’s growing mental health concerns.
Denise worked with SOS case managers to create a service plan that addressed her needs. While in our shelter, Denise obtained identification, a critical component to reconnect her with Social Security Disability Insurance benefits that had lapsed during her period of unstable housing. She began taking classes to obtain her GED, attending art therapy, and with our help applied for housing programs appropriate for her needs.
In July, Denise moved from the emergency shelter into a community residence that supports adults with mental health diagnoses. Denise continues working on her GED and is planning to rent an apartment in the near future.
Your contributions to SOS provided Denise with shelter and the support she needed to find her path to independence.
Will you please make a gift to transform the lives of our neighbors facing homelessness today?
