Richard was living on and off the streets for 15 years. Sometimes he managed to find seasonal work, and sometimes housing, but never anything permanent. One wet and miserable night he was getting a meal at Pasadena Presbyterian Church when he was told that the church across the road had access to motel rooms during […]
Richard’s Story – Coming Home Read More »
A whole slew of issues – including tinnitus, vertigo, anxiety, depression, substance use, and a series of harmful relationships – left Denise in a bad place. These, plus the skyrocketing cost of rent, made it impossible for her to find anywhere to live. She wasn’t prepared to part with her dogs (Arwen and Rebel) to
Denise’s Story – No Longer Fighting to Get a Shower Read More »
Sometimes, calling someone “strong” is an easy way out. It can be easy to think that it matters less, if stressful and difficult things happen to a strong person, because they have the ability to cope with it. Friends In Deed Peer Specialist Angel Maxwell calls this idea out. “Life makes you strong,” she says,
Angel’s Story – Living Proof of Hope Read More »
Leslie has a long history of volunteering and serving on boards in various organizations in Pasadena. It was when she was volunteering at Jericho Road (a Pasadena organization that specializes in empowering and supporting local nonprofits) that Friends In Deed appeared on her radar – she was looking for new opportunities, and The Women’s Room
Leslie’s Story – A Burning Desire to End Homelessness Read More »
Following a career as a computer analyst, Emily wanted to do something useful with her retirement. She saw a message in one of our weekly emails about needing volunteers in the Food Pantry, made contact with Stacey, and joined the team. She says she loves it – the staff and other volunteers made her feel
Emily’s Story – Many Roles Read More »
Shaughna was living with her son, and it had become a domestic violence situation. Unlike many, Shaughna didn’t believe she would have any trouble leaving – she knew she had the skills to get a well-paying job. She walked out of the abusive situation in Las Vegas, and came to Pasadena for a fresh start.
Shaughna’s Story – Rents Too High Read More »
Joan, a single woman in her mid-50s, reached out to our Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance (EPRA) program when she entered a local sober living facility in Pasadena. Recovering from substance abuse and mental health issues, Joan was afraid that, with limited income, she risked being kicked out of the facility and becoming homeless again.
Joan’s Story – A Catalyst for a New Beginning Read More »
Mark is a single father in his early thirties with a son in fifth grade. Recovering from a death in the immediate family left Mark unemployed for several months and he fell behind on his rent. By the time he reached out to FID’s Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance (EPRA) program to apply for assistance,
Mark’s Story – Help with Arrears Read More »
On September 11, 2001, in the early morning, Dr. Corine Yee was already up and ready for her day. She had the television on and the screen caught her eye in time to watch in horror as the second plane hit the Twin Towers. She went to church to pray, and emerged with the conviction
Corine’s Story – As Much As She Can Fit in Her Car Read More »
Our Street Outreach Team’s Family Specialist, Michael Jaimes, has a strong reason to identify with some of the families he works with – one recent family in particular. The couple was originally from Colombia and had a baby on the way and no resources to fall back on. Michael was able to get them first
Michael’s Story – A Strong Bond Read More »
