Verified by Project Homeless Connect.
I am originally from Guatemala and have been in the United States for 39 years. I have been in the Bay Area for the last 27 years. I worked as a Program Director for five years in the Bay Area with a Day Treatment Program and I provided services to Spanish-speaking populations.
I lost half of my kidney due to scar tissue and once I recuperated from that, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. The recovery was very slow and during this time, I lost my job and from there, everything went downhill and I became homeless. I was homeless for eight years and recently secured housing almost a year ago in a beautiful place that I am so grateful to have. My recovery has been long and lengthy, but I feel much stronger because of it.
My main goal moving forward right now is employment and becoming mentally okay. I am hoping to secure a therapist and working to become better organized with better goal setting. Being homeless can wear on your mental health and I am working to overcome that and feel empowered. I am staying positive and strong. I do want to change and be stronger, and I never want to become homeless again. I am trying to utilize all of the resources to keep myself strong and empowered.
The eagle represents strength. I want to fly and feel free from burden. My dream is to approach life confidently and courageously, like an eagle. I can't wait until I look in the mirror again and feel confident, strong and equal.
I'm raising money for basic needs so I can obtain a laptop to further my culinary career towards promoting healthy nutrition in low-income communities.
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I'm raising money for a laptop so I can go to school and search for employment**.
I'm raising money for food and personal hygiene items so I can eat better and take care of myself**.