Santa Clara County:
Here4You Hotline: 408-385-2400
Veteran Service Information: veteransinfo@homefirstscc.org
Homelessness Prevention Services: 408-786-8538 | hpsinfo@homefirstscc.org
Sonoma County:
Coordinated Entry: 866-542-5480 | ce@homefirstscc.org
Keeping People Housed Prevention Services: 707-244-1935
Bonded by Hope: Gabriela and Kilos' Journey
“I know I’ll go far because I’m already further than I ever imagined.”
HomeFirst’s Community Engagement Coordinator, Gabriela Manriquez, is proof that with the help of supportive services, major life change is possible. Gabriela has served as an employee at HomeFirst for over three years. She has worked her way up in the organization, and in her current role, Gabriela engages HomeFirst participants at one of our Bridge Housing Communities. Gabriela coordinates in-house and volunteer-led workshops, and shares with our program participants the various housing resources that HomeFirst offers. Her personal experience with homelessness and her desire to help others, are what make Gabriela an invaluable member of the HomeFirst Team.
Gabriela Manriquez at a San Jose Encampment
Gabriela's 4 Year Chip
Kilos
In 2017, Gabriela found herself living for many months in San Jose’s homeless encampments. Trauma, a lack of work, relationship difficulties, and substance use are what led her to the camps, a place where she found acceptance from people that were struggling with similar life challenges. On the streets, is where Gabriela developed her most substantial, life changing relationship with her dog Kilos, and the deep bond that she formed with him is what ultimately led her to seek sobriety and permanent housing.
Gabriela’s love for Kilos and his reliance on her, are what pushed her to pursue a new life. After a stint in jail which required her to be separated from Kilos, Gabriela committed herself to making significant life changes. She spent months living in transitional housing, participated in intensive outpatient classes, enrolled in Goodwill’s New Opportunities at Work Program (NOW), and eventually joined the HomeFirst Team.
Gabriela’s sustained success shows just how possible it is to change the trajectory of your life if you are given the opportunity and needed support. HomeFirst recognizes this, and it’s why we provide a continuum of care to adults, veterans, and families, by meeting people where they are, and by developing housing plans specific to each person. For more information about the services that HomeFirst provides, please visit our website (homefirstscc.org) or call the Here4You Hotline at 408-385-2400.
Gabriela & Kilos celebrating 5 years of sobriety
Last Updated 2023