LIFE CHANGING STORIES

On any given day, the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing estimates that there are 8,000 to 15,000 homeless individuals on the streets of San Francisco and as many as 3,500,000 people in the Unites States are homeless in any given year. In fact, many of us may possibly know of someone who has been homeless. It is in this context that we invite you to read following life changing stories of hope and inspiration directly from the people themselves.

At CATS, we are proud of our clients who have faced many difficult decisions and have found the courage to change their lives. We thank them for sharing their stories and serving as living proof that CATS is making a difference. 

Click each name below to read the full story:

Robert  
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For Robert, the path to self-sufficiency has been a difficult. Learn how Robert went from years of homelessness to stability and hope in his own apartment.


Mr. Jones
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When Mr. Jones was in danger of losing his apartment, he was faced with the additional threat of becoming homeless. Learn how he was rescued from nearly living on the streets.


Steve
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Alcohol abuse eventually led Steve to homelessness. Read his story of how he turned his life around and fulfilled his goal of obtaining permanent housing.
   

Changing One Day at a Time—Robert’s Story

Robert has resided in the San Francisco Bay Area for most of his life. A downward spiral from years of substance abuse led Robert to homelessness over a period of ten years.

Living conditions for Robert during his time of homelessness was rough and difficult. “But within one day, my life changed,” Robert explains.

Robert’s life dramatically changed when he was approached by a member of the San Francisco Homeless Outreach Team (SFHOT). They assisted Robert with the resources he needed to change his direction. In 2007, Robert moved into an apartment at Coronado, a private residential single room occupancy building provided by CATS and for the past three plus years, has enjoyed being independent.

The Coronado staff were friendly and welcoming according to Robert and he works with Clarence “who has always been positive, supportive and helped me pursue family relationships.”

Robert enjoys artistic hobbies and the companionship with his beloved dog, Sally, who also doubles as Robert’s best friend. He says, “I couldn’t imagine my life being the same without the good people at CATS. My life has never been this stable or good.”

Clean and sober for 5 years, Robert has ushered in a new life—one day at a time.

On the Rise—Mr. Jones’ Story

Throughout Mr. Jones’s life, he has always strived to make a happy life for himself. As a professional chef, he’s lived in the Bay Area for over thirty years.

But when Mr. Jones went to the hospital for a serious illness, he was faced with losing his apartment and with the additional threat of becoming homeless. With no resources, Mr. Jones didn’t no where to turn. 

His fortune changed when he was referred to the Medical Respite & Sobering Center at CATS. The Center provides temporary post-hospitalization care and sobering services for the City’s most vulnerable residents. The Center provides an important alternative to costly emergency care while decreasing ambulance trips to emergency departments. The Center also links individuals to longer-term residential options.

“This was the first time I was faced with homelessness and I was very welcomed,” states Mr. Jones. Thanks to this place, I didn’t have to be homeless.”

Since Mr. Jones began receiving services from the Medical Respite program, his heath has gradually improved as well as his peace of mind knowing that he has the necessary medical attention for his asthma related challenges as well as a solid living environment.  Speaking of his life now, Mr. Jones proudly says, “I’ve been on the rise. This place works and I got the total package. All of the promises were fulfilled.”

A Place Called Home—Steve’s Story

Steve was born and raised in Fresno, California. Life was good during his early childhood and early teens. He enjoyed many things including classic rock and roll music, NASCAR racing and excelled as a professional plumber.
           
However, Steve became homeless due to alcohol abuse. “I was married young and I was a bit of a party animal,” Steve explains.

After years of on and off homelessness in San Francisco, Steve became connected with CATS and the Golden Gate for Seniors (GGS) program.  He later transitioned to Eddy Street Apartments, a clean and sober permanent and supportive housing program at CATS after slightly over a year at GGS. “Being here has changed my life and kept me off the streets,” says Steve.

Today, Steve enjoys seeing his four children, (two reside in Vacaville, CA and two reside in Oregon) and continuing his interests in classic rock as well as NASCAR.  “Willie takes care of this place and this is our safe haven,” remarks Steve.” “I’d be in a crack hotel or something if I wasn’t here.”

Speaking of his life now, Steve advises, “Treat people like you want to be treated. No more. No less. It doesn’t matter what brand you are.”

Steve made the successful transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency and today is a changed man.  After seven years at Eddy Street Apartments, he continues to be upbeat while enjoying his circle of friends in a place called home.