Sandy's Sanctuary

Sandy misses her late partner, Michael, every day—but on especially hard days, she visits one of their favorite neighborhood spots, sits on a bench, and thinks about him. It’s a comforting way to process her grief.

After Michael passed away, Sandy, who is 68 and retired, was unable to keep the apartment they shared. She fell into a deep depression.

“All I wanted to do was lay down and die and go with him,” she said. “I’ll never love anybody like I loved Michael.”

But all hope wasn’t lost. She kept fighting. And our team at the Torres Community Shelter was there to help and support her.

Sandy and Michael were guests of the Torres Shelter—in fact, it is where they met! Torres Shelter staff stay connected to guests like Sandy even after helping them move into housing.

When Michael passed away, shelter staff made sure that Sandy did not end up on the streets. We made sure she had a safe place to stay and recover.

Sandy is grieving and recovering from a difficult year with health challenges, but despite it all, she is determined. She’s regaining her physical strength every day and is doing her best to maintain a hopeful outlook. And we’ll be right there with her, every step of the way!

Sandy is working with her case manager and applying for a senior apartment complex. She’s looking forward to having a dedicated space for her hobbies—she is excited about making sock monkeys, crocheting and creating collages!

"I have the best support group here," she said. "I have felt myself grow. I am stronger and I have a different view on things now—good things—and I am staying strong.”

Rest in peace, Michael.