A s 2020 came to a close , there was a dramatic increase in COVID-19 cases across the country and at home here in San Diego . Likewise , there has been an increase in COVID-19 cases among people experiencing homelessness . Thankfully , Father Joe ’ s Villages is working on the frontlines to help as many individuals as possible move off the streets and into permanent homes of their own . In 2020 , Father Joe ’ s Villages helped over 1,000 individuals move into permanent housing , ending their homelessness for good .
One of those individuals was Cheryl . Throughout her life , Cheryl turned to drug use to cope with memories of her traumatic childhood . Sadly , Cheryl ’ s substance use disorder began to control her life to the point where her marriage deteriorated and she was unable to work , leaving her homeless and alienated from her family , including her children . Devastated from the loss of her children , Cheryl became trapped in a debilitating cycle of depression and addiction . “ Living on the streets wears you down ,” she said . “ When you ’ re living on the street , you don ’ t have a door to protect you from the outside .”
Soon , due to the severity of her drug use , Cheryl began hearing the voices of her children calling out to her and , in her haze , would worry that they were kidnapped and in harm . It was not until Cheryl ’ s daughter located and spoke to her that Cheryl realized the voices were not real . She realized that her daughter had grown up , but the voices in her head never did . This was when Cheryl finally reached out for help .
Cheryl moved into Father Joe ’ s Villages ’ emergency shelter in the Paul Mirabile Center . Now , with a stable roof over her head ,
Cheryl was able to focus on not only surviving , but thriving . She joined a substance use disorder treatment program and sought support for her mental health issues , which eventually helped her gain sobriety . Cheryl also received support from Father Joe ’ s Villages ’ Employment and Education Services , joining their vocational training programs in Warehouse Management and Culinary Arts .
Then , Cheryl gained the opportunity to move into supportive housing at Father Joe ’ s Villages ’ newest housing community , Benson Place . Benson Place opened in August of 2020 to provide 82 dignified studio apartments and comprehensive supportive services , including those with significant challenges such as mental illness and disabilities .
Now , after over 10 years of suffering on the streets of San Diego , Cheryl had a home of her own . “ When I opened the door to my home , it was surreal . I have never had my own place ,” She said in amazement . “ I never had a running bathroom , or a place to keep my food cold or the safety of a locked door .”
With a pandemic endangering the lives of vulnerable neighbors in need , the security and safety of housing was the ultimate blessing . “ This is something many people wish that they had and never thought they could have . I am blessed .”
As eviction moratoriums come to an end and the unemployment and economic effects of COVID-19 bring at-risk individuals and families to the brink of homelessness , Father Joe ’ s Villages efforts to help neighbors in need end their homelessness are more critical than ever before . A donation of cash , cars or household goods can make all the difference in Father Joe ’ s Villages ’ mission to prevent and end homelessness , one life at a time . Visit www . neighbor . org to learn more .
JANUARY 2021 | GBSAN . COM 83