Celebrating a year at home

In her first few weeks as a Therapist Case Manager at Health Care for the Homeless, Lakeesha Griffin helped 12 people sign leases and move into Sojourner Place, a supportive housing partnership with Episcopal Housing Corporation.

Before Sojourner Place, Silas (pictured) and 11 other renters spent years living on the street, in shelters or in abandoned houses. And Lakeesha watched as they got their very own keys. She saw the look on their faces as they each opened their doors to reveal fully furnished apartments, complete with food and cleaning supplies donated by community members like you. They were finally home.

Over the past year, newly-housed residents have been able to focus on the things that matter to all of us: family, health and work. Lakeesha says, “Some residents are considering part-time jobs like mowing lawns, and they’ve been able to reengage with loved ones.”

Like Silas, Jenna* is celebrating a year at home with support from our housing services program. Two years ago, she was living in a car, separated from her children. Now, safely in her apartment, she is managing her bipolar disorder, has reunited with her two daughters and just got a full-time job at a Baltimore City hospital. With housing and the services she needs, her life has done a 180.

With your support, we’re working to open the door to housing—and change—for significantly more people. As you read this, 47 more clients are settling into new homes, four therapist case managers and peer advocates will be joining our housing team to support their transition, and new housing partnerships are on the near horizon.

These recently housed clients are making big moves in their own lives. And providers like Lakeesha and people like you are with them every step of the way.

*Jenna is a pseudonym.

Learn more about our growing role in affordable housing, and let us know YOUR thoughts, here.