Meet Gene

About this story: We have a diverse group of guests at the Torres Community Shelter, our emergency shelter for adults and seniors (over the age of 60). We want you to meet them, to hear their stories, to understand the impact we can make together.

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Gene remembers rooting for and supporting the Torres Community Shelter more than 18 years ago, before we ever broke ground at our current location on Silver Dollar Way.

Her husband recently passed away, and she also had some health challenges—she has been in and out of the hospital for a broken arm and rehabilitation.

Gene, who also has worked at homeless shelter in Orange County for families and children, knew she could turn to our programs at True North Housing Alliance for help.

With the help of her case manager, she is now on a Section 8 low-income housing wait list and recently received an increase in her Social Security benefits income in order to support herself.

“My experience here has been very good. It’s been positive. I’m very hopeful for a place to hang my hat, make friends and feel comfortable,” she said. “We’re all in the same boat in the same body of water and we’ve got to be mates on this voyage. That starts with understanding what you want to get out of your life, helping others, and being willing to accept help when it’s offered to you.”

Make A Difference

With your support, we can continue to change lives, like Gene’s, every day.

For just $36, you can provide a night of shelter, warm meals, a hot shower and case management services to an individual experiencing homelessness in our community.