Kathy Kept Going

Kathy is the kind of person who offers a big smile and a cheerful “good morning” when people pass by.

It’s been a challenging road for her, but many likely wouldn’t know it. Kathy, a senior who uses a wheelchair, has battled numerous health issues in the past several years, all while experiencing homelessness.

Kathy first entered our programs at the Torres Community Shelter a couple years ago. When her partner passed away, Kathy made it on her own for as long as she could, but eventually couldn’t afford the bills on her own. After staying with family briefly, Kathy ended up having nowhere to go. She was in our programs at the shelter, then moved to a care home before returning to the shelter again.

Throughout all of her challenges, Kathy didn’t give up—and neither did the True North Housing Alliance team. We have been her safety net and support for those tough times.

Kathy’s Case Manager Robyn said that “she followed through with everything we asked of her, even if it was hard.”

“She is always attentive and sweet and a support to people around her,” Robyn said, no matter what she is going through.

While Kathy has been in our programs, our team connected her with the proper medical care she needed, Robyn said. True North helped her expand her social security benefits and get an In-Home Supportive Services care worker. As we helped her learn how to budget and save money, we also worked with her on submitting many housing applications.

Securing accessible housing that Kathy could afford on her limited income was a challenge. But Kathy and our team met those challenges head-on, and last month, Kathy moved into her own place! We worked with Community Housing Improvement Program to make it happen.

Kathy told us that she loves her new place. “I’m impressed! I’m pleased with here. Here is good,” she said with her trademark smile.

While she misses her friends and our staff at the shelter, who she considers family, she often comes by the Torres Shelter to visit with everyone, which is always a treat.

Kathy said she has been enjoying riding the bus to different places around town and people watching, as well as being able to rest and relax in her own place. She also enjoys watching horse races because the speed of the animals always inspires her, Kathy said.

She added that she wants people to know that True North Housing Alliance and the Torres Community Shelter are there for people in need.

“There are people here that care and are sincere,” Kathy said. “There is help available.”

At True North, we stay in touch with those we serve even after they secure housing in order to ensure their continued success. Robyn said it’s her goal to make sure Kathy continues to feel supported by her shelter family.

“She definitely has a lot of people who love and support her and will continue to love and support her,” she said.