When I Wanted to Give Up, St. Joseph Center Helped Me Find Myself Again

When my dad passed away, the bottom fell out of my world. I experienced homelessness and lived in my car for over three years. I have a college degree and have worked hard my whole life, but the stigma of being on the streets is a heavy burden. People look through you, judge you, and make you feel invisible.

The hardest thing was to put my pride aside and ask for help. But I knew, deep down, that I couldn’t do it alone.

Losing My Father and Experiencing Homelessness

St. Joseph Center first offered me shelter during the pandemic through Project Room Key. Their Access Center was a lifeline, providing mental health services to help me process the immense grief and loss of my father. The counselors were so patient and tireless in their support. Slowly, I started to heal. I could talk about the happy memories without breaking down, and now, on difficult days, I can channel my father’s strength.

Finding Support Through St. Joseph Center

It wasn’t just shelter, though that was crucial. It was the simple things too. I remember my shoes were literally falling apart, making walking painful and exhausting. I felt vulnerable and ashamed. Thanks to our friends at Shoes for the Homeless, Inc., I received new shoes and socks. The impact was incredible. My confidence, comfort, and sense of dignity all improved.

A Chance Encounter That Changed Everything

But my journey truly began on a day when I was at my lowest, ready to give up. I was living in my car, had not showered or eaten, and felt completely embarrassed. I remember driving by the Food Pantry line at St. Joseph Center in Venice, and that’s where I met Amber.

I felt an immediate sense of comfort. She said, “Want to go for a walk?” So we went to the park, and I just let everything out. I told her everything, how I was done, had no hope, nothing. She welcomed me with open arms and no judgment.

Amber hugged me and told me it was going to be okay. She gave me food without even knowing me. She didn’t see my dirty clothes or my smell; she just saw me.

She even offered me a hotel room. I felt ashamed at first, but she made me feel okay about being unhoused. Everyone at St. Joseph Center made me feel the same way.

Rebuilding My Life and Launching “Well Known”

I’m a private person, but now I like sharing my story because I know it helps others see that there is hope, even in the darkest times. St. Joseph Center gave me a new light, a new chapter in my life.

Fast forward to today. I’m writing this from my own studio apartment, a beautiful, bright space that I can finally call home. More than that, I’ve started my own clothing apparel company called “Well Known.”

When I was experiencing homelessness, I still remember walking with holes in my shoes. It wasn’t just a lack of money; it was the feeling of being unseen, of losing my dignity. That’s why my company’s mission is to promote well-being by reminding people that they deserve to be seen, heard, and valued. My passion now is helping others, in any way I can.

I know I got that from my dad. I’ve been thinking a lot about him lately. He used to help people experiencing homelessness without even knowing them. It’s something I’d forgotten until I connected with Amber. She and everyone at St. Joseph Center reminded me that true wealth is shown through a smile, a hug, and just being present for someone. I took advantage of every resource the center offered.

St. Joseph Center didn’t just give me a roof over my head; they gave me my life back.

They showed me that I matter, and that’s a feeling I want to share with the world through my company.

Note: This post has been edited for length, clarity, and narrative flow.