From the Streets to Stability

Welcome Home, Kathy! (Image by Venti Views)

Kathy’s Story

Kathy’s life was turned upside down when the man she had lived with for years passed away tragically. He tried to help her secure ownership of the home they had shared, but the legal process was never finalized. When her partner’s adult daughters claimed the house after his passing, Kathy was left with nothing.

Repossession

So after, Kathy was in the process of being evicted when the house was going to be repossessed by the bank. This is when Kathy first met Larry from Community Property Rescue. To her surprise, Larry stepped in and was able to help her stay in the home almost a year longer than expected. “I hardly knew him,” she said, “but he was so kind. He didn’t even ask me to pay. He just cared.” During that time, Larry would stop by to check in, pray with her, and encourage her. His compassion meant the world to Kathy during such a difficult season.

Unhoused

Eventually, she did lose the house and had no place to go. On disability and still grieving, Kathy clung to her three Shih Tzus, the only family she felt she had left. But it was nearly impossible to find housing that allowed her to keep them. For a while, she lived out of her car, until it broke down and left her stranded with nothing but a small bag and her dogs.

Strangers—like an elderly woman who fed neighborhood cats and her friends—showed her kindnesses, helping Kathy attend to her broken down car, helping her sell it to have some pocket money. They offered Kathy temporary shelter and then paid for a week in a hotel.

But soon Kathy found herself living on the streets, anyway. She noted, “I never thought I’d be on the streets. I am not a drug addict. I’ve had a home ever since I’ve been an adult! It shocked me that this could be me.”

Even then, Larry didn’t forget her. He would occasionally arrange hotel stays so she had somewhere safe to sleep. More importantly, he promised Kathy he would help her get off the streets—and he kept that promise.

A Miracle Home

Through Larry’s persistence, Kathy was eventually placed in a home in southern San Diego. He told her to pay what she could toward the rent until she was able to cover it fully. He encouraged her to find a roommate to share the cost. Larry and some of his co-workers even found furniture through a church. They found her a washer and oven. “Helping me find housing was amazing—a miracle,” Kathy said. “I tear up just thinking about it.”

Making It

Kathy also pointed out, “What meant so much to me was that he always encouraged me and prayed with me. He would tell me, ‘You’re going to make it.’ And I am.”

Today, Kathy has a safe home, stability, and—most importantly—she still has her beloved dogs. “I am so grateful for this help,” she said. “It got me off the streets and changed my life.”