I Made It!

This story of a person who went through programs at the PATH Mall is inspiring:

Dear PATH,

I was lucky to find out about PATH on the street by an acquaintance. So I came in on September 13, 2002. I talked to Eric Pido, one of PATH’s case managers. He then referred me to Reyes Soto at the CLARE Foundation for substance abuse treatment in the PATH Mall. Reyes then called OMNI to have me hospitalized because I was very ill.

After spending some time in the hospital, I transitioned into a sober living residential program. While in sober living I was referred to Gateways Homeless Services that is also in the PATH Mall, and began taking care of my mental health issues. Then I was referred to another PATH staff where I was given a voucher to obtain my I.D. and social security card. I was put on the waiting list for the PATHWays Housing program and on December 20th, 2002 I was accepted into the PATH women’s residential program.

While at PATH, a case manager and I developed a case plan, which identified my barriers with action plans aimed toward my self-sufficiency. One of the barriers on my case plan was a legal issue. I had some minor infractions (tickets) that, at the time and the crisis I was experiencing, were impossible for me to take care of. When looking for employment these minor offenses seemed to make it impossible for me ro find work. I was recommended and referred to PATH’s Homeless Court. Through Homeless Court I was able to clear my record and it felt like it lifted a huge load off my back. I was very grateful for the assistance that PATH has given me to get help when I needed it.

In June 2003, I got a housing voucher and was looking for an apartment. In September 2003 I found an apartment. I came to PATH once more for Rental Assistance. I had received the assistance within 14 days.

Now I have a one-bedroom apartment and I’ve been there almost one year. I am so thankful to PATH, CLARE, Gateways, and the Homeless Court for helping me get off the streets for good. I’m so glad I walked into the PATH Mall for help!