Nandi’s Journey to Her New Home

“I have a blank canvas now. I can go in any direction I need to go.”

When Nandi sought a safe way forward after leaving an unhealthy relationship, she was searching for stability and a place to begin again. While seeking housing assistance, she learned about a resource festival hosted by Homeless Outreach Program Integrated Care System (HOPICS). There, she connected with a director who helped link her to St. Joseph Center. Within a week, Nandi moved into the then newly opened La Ramona Housing Center. Walking into La Ramona marked a turning point.

“When I moved into La Ramona, it shocked me,” Nandi said. “It was brand new. I had my own space, my own bathroom and security on site 24 hours a day. It was a super special experience.” For the first time in a long while, Nandi had a place where she could pause and begin again. “This is my first home,” she said. “This is where I could really plant myself.” The safety and consistency of La Ramona gave Nandi the space to regroup and look ahead. With stable housing in place, she was able to focus on personal growth and long term goals. “Being at La Ramona meant stability for me,” she said. “It gave me the tools I needed to get back on my feet and move forward.” That stability was strengthened by the people around her. Supportive staff played a central role in helping Nandi prepare for independent living and trust what was possible. “I’m grateful for the support I received,” she said. “The people here helped me believe in what was possible.”

As St. Joseph Center marks 50 years of serving Los Angeles with compassion, dignity and hope, Nandi’s story reflects how stability creates the foundation for growth and opportunity.

Today, Nandi has moved into her own apartment, a milestone she once could not imagine earlier in her journey. “Having my own apartment now feels like a fresh start,” she said. “It gives me the canvas I need to build what’s next.” With housing stability in place, Nandi is now focused on her music career and shaping a future rooted in creativity and purpose. Throughout her journey, she has documented her experience on social media as part of her creative process, sharing her story to encourage others facing housing instability.

“I want people to see that you really can move forward if you step out on faith, believe in yourself and trust others to help you.”

Her advice to others facing similar challenges is simple and direct: “If you feel like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel, reach out. Do the research. Believe in yourself and keep going.”

As part of St. Joseph Center’s 50 Stories for 50 Years of Impact, Nandi’s journey reflects the power of safe housing and compassionate support. Because of donor generosity, people like Nandi can move from crisis to stability and begin building what comes next.