After decades of stability in Danville, Sarah never imagined losing everything. She and her husband had built a comfortable life, traveling and enjoying each day—but they hadn’t prepared for the future. When he passed away, she discovered hidden debt that cost her their home, leaving her uncertain of how to survive. For eight months, she navigated homelessness, using her savings to stay afloat. Through word of mouth, she learned about 211 and made the call that changed everything. CORE mobile outreach was dispatched to visit Sarah and, recognizing her status as a disabled older adult, quickly secured her placement in the Concord Shelter.
Adjusting to shelter life was tough for Sarah, with new faces, sleeping on an unfamiliar bed and the overwhelming uncertainty, but she says, “the Concord shelter staff made it easier for me to start putting my life back together.” As Sarah worked hard to set her goals into motion, she was connected with Hope Solutions and through the organization was offered a permanent supportive housing unit at El Portal Place, a community with services provided by dedicated Hope Solutions staff. Today she is settling in well. She says, “I was scared of this whole system because I thought it would be a certain way but people here are very respectful.” To people who may be hesitant to reach out for support she says, “Just know that there are good people out here that can help you.”
*Name changed to respect privacy