|
Dear Friend,
Safe parking has been in the news lately, and it is the subject of my most recent podcast. Today, I want to share a story that shows how the program can be an important tool to move an unhoused person towards housing.
Walter has been part of our Safe Parking program for three years. In his mid-70s, with health issues and soon-to-start dialysis, he became unhoused after separating from his wife of 50 years. Despite challenges, Walter has been a dedicated member of the Safe Parking community, so much so that he volunteers to provide night security for his fellow neighbors.
Throughout it all, Olivia, FID Housing Navigation Program Manager and Substance Abuse Specialist, and Al, FID Outreach Specialist, worked closely with Walter, supporting him as a team. They checked in, offered guidance, and never gave up, even when Walter hesitated to take steps toward permanent housing.
At one point, Walter was matched to an independent senior living unit. But life on the street had become familiar and comfortable, and he initially refused to move in. Even after signing paperwork and going through the process, he stepped back at the last minute.
Olivia had a heartfelt conversation with Walter, reminding him of the seriousness of his health situation. “You deserve to be indoors,” she told him. With support from Najwa, FID Housing Navigator and Outreach Liaison, and a plan to allow Walter to sleep in his car at Trinity Lutheran Church a couple of nights a week, the team created a bridge between his comfort zone and a safe, stable home.
Time was running out on the lease, but Olivia advocated for him, securing a few extra days. Just hours before the opportunity would be lost, Walter made a life-changing decision: he would take the apartment. Within hours, he signed the lease and received his keys.
When Walter stepped into his new home for the first time, he was overcome with emotion. Thanks to the support of Friends In Deed, and in partnership with St. Vincent de Paul, he will soon have furniture and the stability he deserves.
Walter’s journey reminds us that change isn’t always linear and that patience, persistence, and compassion can make all the difference in helping someone take their first step toward a new chapter.
The latest opportunity for a new Safe Parking program, at All-Saints Church, has been stalled in the Pasadena City Council, as local media, my recent op-ed, and podcast have discussed. This is very disappointing as the program will add 25 new spots, giving even more opportunities for people like Walter to be supported to move off the streets. If you live in District 7, where the church is located, I urge you to contact your councilmember, Jason Lyon, and thank him for his support of this project. Elected officials usually only hear from their constituents when there is a complaint; it is just as important to let them know when you support them on an issue.
In other news, a huge thank you to everyone who has already contributed to our winter appeal campaign–we are off to a great start! If you haven’t had the chance to participate, please join in and support the mission of Friends In Deed, which is being lived out each day, helping our most vulnerable neighbors.
Finally, for all of those celebrating, Happy Hanukkah! The Festival of Lights begins Sunday evening and goes for eight nights.
| 
