Success Stories
William and his wife Mary came to High Desert Homeless Services, Inc. (HDHS) seeking shelter for themselves and their two young boys; Ryan, age 4 and Jeremy, age 6. William was laid-off from his minimum wage job, and unemployment was not enough to cover the family's expenses. Mary, having been injured in a car accident, was unable to work. Subsequently, they were evicted from their apartment. With nowhere else to go, they came to our shelter. William felt despondent and hopeless about his future and his ability to secure another job that would support his family and supply their needs. One of the caseworkers assisted him with a job search plan, and encouraged him to take part in all of the services that HDHS had to offer. He signed up for various classes that HDHS provided, such as: job search and readiness, computer literacy and life skills. Our staff helped him find appropriate interview clothing from our "clothes closet", and gave him hygiene and grooming items. He was also encouraged to put his unemployment money in our safe, to save towards their independence. The shelter's structured living environment, the encouragement of the staff and the instruction he received, gave William a renewed hope of success. He started submitting job applications every day. Some days he even exceeded the mandatory 3 applications per day. In roughly three weeks, he was called to interview with a pipe supply company. When he was called in for a second interview, he was overjoyed because the job paid more than minimum wage. He was working by the time he and his family started their second month at the shelter. We encouraged them to stay until they had enough money saved to move into stable housing. Before his third month was up (maximum stay is 90-days, extended in some extreme cases), he had found suitable housing for he and his family and had saved enough for the rent and deposits due. They stopped by to see us recently, not only to say thanks, but also to offer a $20.00 donation. They wanted to us to know how much they appreciated us being there for them during their time of need.
Tony, a single 38 year old and his son Erick, came to us after a failed marriage and a job loss forced them onto the street. While here, Tony reevaluated his life and made some hard decisions. He attended classes and improved his computer literacy skills. With his new resolve to succeed, he looked for work every day until he found a full-time job. He also decided to go back to school. He recently came by to let us know he is now a registered nurse, and in the process of buying a home.
Matthew is a 29-year old who was kicked out of his parents' home and was on the street. While in shelter, he decided what he wanted to do with his life. He applied for (and won) a scholarship for truck driving school. He now drives trucks for a living and is very happy.
Laura was a single mother of four, living in a rental on welfare. She had her rent money stolen, which led to their eviction. She came to the shelter with plans to save her welfare money until she could afford another place to live. While here, she was expected to submit the mandatory 3 job applications per day. To her surprise, she got a job with pay and room & board, caring for a disabled individual. She also got a second job in retail. Laura is no longer on welfare, now has a car, and is saving her money to buy her own home.
Chris, a single mother of two, was divorced and had given up custody of her children because she had nowhere to stay or a way to care for them. When she arrived at the shelter, she had just met a man who was also homeless, so they decided to come in together. While here, they connected with a company that did door-to-door sales. They started with this company before opening their own business together. They are now married, and she has regained custody of her children. They are currently buying a mobile home.
Forty-seven year old Randy had been addicted to drugs. He spent 90 days in a recovery program and been clean and sober for 90 days when he came to our shelter. While here he found a job as a detailer in an auto body shop. Putting to work his skills at a job he loves, he became well liked by customers and employees. He is now the shop manager.
Lowell had lost his wife to cancer. Left alone to raise his two children, he became depressed, lost his job and eventually was evicted. Lowell's pride got the best of him and they all ended up living in his car for about a week. When he finally humbled himself enough to ask for help, he came to the shelter. During his time here, he realized his responsibility was to support his children and move on with his life. With the encouragement, life skills classes and training he received in shelter, he was able to secure a job selling insurance. He is now a successful insurance broker in an established company. He is currently renting, but saving towards the purchase of a home.
