SOAR to Stability: Misty's Success Story
"In Misty’s perspective, if someone is unhoused or living in a toxic environment, they may not fully grasp the weight of that burden until they are free from it. She hopes that those in need of support will seek out HomeFirst or an organization like it."
Misty and her husband have made an incredible journey from homelessness to being housed. By prioritizing mental health and seeking needed support, the couple has achieved a life they once thought impossible.
In 2020, Misty and her husband became unhoused. Misty was serving as her family member’s full-time, live-in caregiver, but the environment was toxic. To protect her and her husband’s mental health, they decided to move out of the house and into their car, though Misty continued to care for her relative. At the time, their son was in community college. During school breaks when he stayed with his parents, they would move back in with Misty’s family, enduring the challenging environment, but when he left, they would return to their car.
HomeFirst's Outreach Team
This was not the couple’s first experience with homelessness. In 2015, they lived in a car with their then high-school-aged son. It was a difficult time, as the car was uncomfortable, they had to shower in parks, and their son was attending school.
Misty and her husband learned about HomeFirst through a resource fair organized by our Outreach Team. Her husband had discovered a flyer for the fair at the reentry program he was a part of. At the fair, the couple connected with HomeFirst staff, who, over the next 10 months, provided case management and worked with them to secure permanent housing.
Life has changed significantly for Misty and her husband. In July 2024, the couple signed a lease for a one-bedroom apartment, where they now live with their two cats. HomeFirst’s SOAR outreach program (now TOEP) made this move possible by paying the application fee, the first month's rent, and the security deposit. The couple also received an Exit-to-Housing kit filled with household essentials provided by donors and compiled by volunteers. This assistance alleviated some of the financial burden of moving and gave the couple time to organize other aspects of their lives. Misty is currently working part-time as her relative’s caregiver while seeking new caregiving opportunities that will provide the financial stability needed to keep the apartment. She is also awaiting a Section 8 housing voucher.
The couple’s son is doing well too! After completing two years at Foothill College, he is now entering his second year at UCLA where he studies psychology. He is thrilled that his parents have a comfortable home, and they are delighted to have a peaceful place for him to stay when he visits from college.
With stable housing, the couple feels that a huge weight has been lifted off their shoulders. In Misty’s perspective, if someone is unhoused or living in a toxic environment, they may not fully grasp the weight of that burden until they are free from it. She hopes that those in need of support will seek out HomeFirst or an organization like it. Misty wants people to know it is possible for them to obtain a life they can’t currently imagine, as there are people in our community who want to help, in addition to available resources.
Last Updated 2024