After experiencing homelessness and profound loss, Ricardo Ordaz found a new path through St. Joseph Center’s Bread & Roses Training Kitchen. With support from his culinary mentors, he graduated from the program and begins a new chapter at The Lobster in Santa Monica.

Through St. Joseph Center’s Youth Resource Team, Elijah has moved into his own apartment in Santa Monica. With stable housing, mental health support, and encouragement, he is building toward financial stability and hopes to help other young people facing similar challenges.

After experiencing homelessness on the Venice Boardwalk, Derrick Rutledge found housing and support through St. Joseph Center. Today, he draws on his experiences to help people navigating the justice system, bringing compassion and a commitment to opportunity to his work with Los Angeles County.

Street medicine brings essential health care directly to people experiencing homelessness. Through the work of Dr. Coley King and St. Joseph Center’s outreach teams in Venice, this story explores the importance of compassionate, consistent care that meets people where they are.

Once a dancer in some of the 1990s’ most iconic music videos, Shuren Joice later found herself living in her car after losing her longtime home. She shares how St. Joseph Center and its partners helped her find permanent housing, regain stability, and continue her journey toward healing and peace.

Food insecurity can affect people even when they are working. One young Venice resident shares how St. Joseph Center Food Pantry has helped ease the pressure of rising food costs while giving her greater stability and hope.