The United Effort Organization helped save my life!
Hi, I’m going to call myself Randy for this story. I’m 60 years old and currently unhoused. I truly believe that the United Effort helped save my life! The United Effort Organization helped me get temporary housing and is continually working on my behalf to find permanent housing and other benefits. Most importantly, they really listened to me, and have given me hope and moral support, even helping me to do something I love: Gardening! I truly believe that Wei and Dave, volunteers with the United Effort, helped save my life!
My story: I was born and raised in east San Jose. I had a wonderful childhood, visiting with my grandmother in Minnesota to enjoy her farm and garden. After working most of my life as a caregiver, most recently for 8 years at a Bay Area hospital, I unfortunately began experiencing verbal abuse at work. I had been living with my mother and sister for many years in our family home, and as my mothers health deteriorated, they tried to convince me to move to Fresno with them, but I didn’t go because I had a job here. After they moved, I began sleeping in my car, parking at a friend's business, and sometimes ‘couch surfing’ at other friends. My back injury was really acting up (lifting, moving beds, setting up large pieces of equipment is all a big part of being a caregiver), and I experienced a lot of anxiety; it felt like PTSD. Work became toxic. I felt depressed, and though I knew it was a bad idea, I started drinking to ‘get away from it all’ and to fall asleep. The situation at work deteriorated, and I was let go. After 8 years, my ‘network’ was the nurses and other caregivers at work, so losing that was really hard.
Though devastated, once away from work, I realized I didn’t need the alcohol, and quit. Due to my pre-existing back injury, I was able to keep my health insurance, where I have a consistent doctor I love. I’ve had zero income since January 2020, and have had to withdraw retirement savings. Even though I am extremely frugal, I struggle. Having worked my whole life helping disabled people and seniors, it was depressing that it is so hard to get help now that I need it myself. My anxiety made it difficult to talk, but I’ve learned that talking helps - which is why I want to share my story - to help others!
I became overwhelmed and it was hard to focus. It seemed I had a Case Manager at every organization (4!), and while I knew they were trying to help me find housing, none of them really talked with me to understand my entire situation. I felt like I was being passed around; one referral after another. With all the w a i t i n g – waiting for benefits, waiting for housing applications to go through, waiting for case managers to get back to me – my brain really felt like it was shutting down.
Everything changed when I found United Effort! Wei, a volunteer, was the first person who actually took the time to listen to me and helped me apply for housing; CSA has been a help. She talked me through so many options, and even helped me get new eyeglasses, which none of the case managers at other organizations even asked me about! Dave, another volunteer, also listened to me and found other benefits, such as safe parking (through Move Mountain View).
When I say listened, I mean that Wei actually asked me what I enjoy doing and what I want, long-term! I told her of my love for gardening, so she suggested I find a friend with a garden to help - so I did! I had never thought of that. I LOVE gardening, and the United Effort asked volunteers to donate some equipment, like a bucket, seeds and some earth, and now I help my friend, growing vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, zucchini and acorn squash. It relaxes me so much and allows me to focus!
If you are unhoused, my advice to you is to ASK QUESTIONS, share your story and what you enjoy doing, and what you want to achieve. Talk with the United Effort: They do their best to communicate, will keep you updated, and really take the time to understand your needs and coordinate with other groups on your behalf when you need help.