The Journey Begins
WWhen “Susie”, a 59-year-old African American female, first arrived at Casa San Francisco seeking shelter, she was facing the overwhelming burden of housing instability. Like many who walk through our doors, she needed more than just a bed: she needed a roadmap for success and security.
Her journey toward stability was a testament to the persistent work of our dedicated team. Between August 2025 and January 2026, Susie was a resident at Casa on two separate occasions. During her residency, we were able to provide Susie with a stable, clean, and safe home, as well as emotional support and counseling from our team. Over the course of her stays, Susie showed incredible resilience, working hand-in-hand with our team to navigate the complex web of permanent housing applications and over avenues of support.
A Collaborative Effort
Susie’s success wasn’t just luck—it was the result of our team’s dedicated work and strategy, as well as her own steadfast commitment. Because Susie receives Social Security Disability, we were able to leverage that steady income to prove her eligibility for long-term solutions. Our team didn’t leave a single stone unturned; we walked her step by step through the process of securing stable and permanent housing:
- Advocacy: We placed her on the Permanent Supportive Housing waiting list through our collaboration with the Housing Alliance, a statewide nonprofit that works to address the affordable housing needs in our communities.
- Resourcefulness: We assisted her with several applications for affordable housing and successfully secured Susie an approval for Rapid Re-Housing (RRH).
- The Bridge: When a spot opened up at Interfaith in Dover, we knew it was the perfect transitional step for Susie. While her arrangements at Interfaith were being finalized, our team at Casa San Francisco was able to extend her stay for two weeks to ensure she never had to return to the streets while waiting for her bed to open.
A Bright Future
Susie thrived during her time at Interfaith. Because of her tenacious spirit and with the support of our dedicated team, she was prepared for the ultimate milestone: in April of 2026, Susie officially moved into her very own apartment.
Susie’s story is a beautiful reminder that with the right advocacy, the right resources, and a little bit of patience, the path from a shelter to a home is possible. We are so proud of Susie and honored to have been a part of her journey home.