Please join us in congratulating Kristin for ending her homeless situation today by getting into her own rental. Kristin has been living in shelters and finally got an opportunity to move into her own place. We were happy to help her by paying her security deposit. Please read her story below.
Dear OTS,
My name is Kristin, and I have been struggling with my mental health and addiction for about 10 years. When I first was diagnosed with mental illness, I was not taking my medication, which started a cycle of going in and out of hospitals without getting any lasting help. I would then self medicate with drugs which would make the problem worse. I have spent the last 10 years either on the street or at Mercy House Emergency Shelter or Grandma’s House of Hope shelter, in large part due to this combination of mental illness and substance abuse. I am currently staying at Grandma’s House of Hope. Additionally, due to my mental illness and a learning disorder, I have not been able to consistently work, which has also contributed to the problem. I am now connected to the Orange County Mental Health Agency and have been getting the help I need to stabilize by working with their team of psychiatrists, therapists and case workers. They are the ones who have assisted me in finding affordable housing at a Mental Health Agency property. I am also heavily involved in my local AA/NA meetings and am working diligently with a sponsor. I am committed to my sobriety and treating my mental illness the right way with medication. I know I will always struggle with my mental illness and will need to work hard at my recovery, but I feel like I have been given the right tools to be successful I am now blessed with a wonderful housing opportunity. Because it is income based affordable housing, I will be able to afford the rent. However, they require a deposit which I do not have. Any help that your organization can provide would be greatly appreciated, so that I can take advantage of this amazing opportunity. Thank you for the work you do.
-Thank you, Kristin
Kristin is the 136th person we’ve helped this year and the 646th person we’ve helped since we started OTS in 2014. Read more about our charity at OTSHB.COM.