Homelessness to Home: Meet Shelly

In 2020, we provided 23,912 safe night’s sleep for women like Shelly.

Shelly had experienced homelessness off and on as she struggled with her health and couldn’t afford rent. After Shelly’s insurance would no longer pay for her nursing home, she became homeless. She was very vulnerable on the streets as a disabled unaccompanied woman. For her safety, Shelly was referred to WISEPlace for shelter in August 2018, after the encampments were cleared.

With the help of her WISEPlace case managers, counselors, and housing navigators, we were on the path to end homelessness for Shelly. Shelly was supported to navigate the health care system and enroll in SSDI benefits. After her healthcare and benefits were stabilized, we turned our focus to permanent housing. We worked with the OC Housing Authority and were able to obtain a housing voucher for Shelly.

One step closer with a coveted voucher, we began to reach out to countless landlords and secured an affordable apartment! Thanks to your financial contributions, we were also able to support Shelly with her deposit, application fee, and a new bed. After years of being homeless due to disabling health reasons, Shelly’s homelessness has ended!