Joe Anza slept on the bench seat of his old 1970’s GMC pickup truck before he got introduced to our partners at Stocktonians Taking Action to Neutralize Drugs (STAND). STAND connected Joe to temporary housing through San Joaquin County’s Project Roomkey program. Around the same time, Joe began receiving cancer treatments. This serendipitous connection enabled Joe to rest from his treatments with a temporary roof over his head. STAND then connected Joe to the Whole Person Care program to receive medical care coordination and support. Joe was later permanently housed through a joint partnership between Dignity Health, WPC and STAND.
After a few days of living in the home and getting to know his three other housemates, STAND checked in on Joe. When asked how his new room was treating him, his reply was simple and joyful, with a hint of country accent, "That bed is comfortable! I feel like I'm home."
The Salvation Army (TSA) was called by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department regarding a 76 year-old female living on a vacant lot. Upon their arrival, TSA was introduced to Rosalie Smith. Miss Smith is the heir to the property she was living on however, the home had been burned down 9 years ago. Miss Smith was determined never to leave the property. Unfortunately, Miss Smith's limited income and leaving her pet behind were huge barriers to placement as well.
TSA was determined to find Miss Smith a place to live that was clean and safe for her and her pet. TSA called every senior apartment building in San Bernardino County; either the price was too high or the waiting list was 1 to 3 years long. TSA wasn't discouraged and kept calling around. Finally, TSA got a "yes" with the help of an AOD counselor with Innroads and an anonymous donor who paid for her move-in costs. On 6/14/2021 Miss Smith signed her lease and received the keys to her 1-bedroom apartment. Miss Smith was so happy she cried tears of joy. It took a community to assist Miss. Smith to get off the streets after 7 years of being homeless.
After a few days of living in the home and getting to know his three other housemates, STAND checked in on Joe. When asked how his new room was treating him, his reply was simple and joyful, with a hint of country accent, "That bed is comfortable! I feel like I'm home."
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