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*Name changed to protect client privacy.
Despite the challenges life has thrown at her, Sally* has finally found her way home. Her path to stability, though filled with obstacles, reminds us of the resilience inherent in everyday people.
Sometimes the only thing a person needs is a helping hand and a friendly ear.
Sally, 58, had been homeless in Houston for more than eight years; living in shelters, abandoned buildings and motels. For many of those years – and before – she had faced hardships including Domestic Violence and substance use disorder.
Star of Hope Outreach Case Manager Kenneth Eakins met Sally at Hermann park, where she had been living near the Texas Medical Center for six months. Kenneth as well as medical outreach teams with Healthcare for the Homeless – Houston visited Sally often, working to build trust and rapport with her to get her engaged in services, and to connect her with housing.
During these outreach efforts, it was discovered that Sally was suffering from stage 4 lung cancer. The outreach teams were able to get her connected with medical care, and she will begin chemotherapy treatments in the coming months.
“All I want is a home where I can rest for the first time in my adult life,” Sally says.
After working tirelessly and persistently to help sally reach that goal, she was able to obtain her Texas identification, a social security card, and clear the other hurdles to get into Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH). Today, Sally is a resident with Change Happens! PSH program. She has also been approved for food stamps, and has access to healthcare, case management, and other supports that will keep her stable in her housing.
“It has been an incredible honor to work with Sally and to be a part of her journey,” said Kenneth. “Her inner strength and sweet spirit are contagious and a joy to be around! We will never be the same because of her!”
Yet another story of The Way Home partners working together to solve homelessness in our area. We are thrilled for Sally; she has found her way home and is loving it!