From Homeless to Housed: Patricia's Story

One woman's story of hardship, perseverance, triumph, and hope.

Patricia had been homeless for over three years. She was legally disabled which only added to the difficult and harsh reality that came with living on the streets. Many nights she found herself sleeping behind buildings which more often than not led to her going to jail. Soon enough Patricia was dealing with addictions that only began as a way to cope with the pain and extremities that came with being homeless. She often wondered how her life had come to this and wondered if she would ever have a fresh chance to start again, to live joyously once more.

Recently, Patricia's prayers and dreams were heard and answered. A team of case workers were assigned to help Patricia start fresh. Case workers from Charleston Dorchester Department of Mental Health, Charleston County, One 80 Place, and Origin SC found out that they were all assigned to help house a disabled chronically homeless woman, and transition her into her very own apartment. It was determined that Origin SC's Lease on Life Program will help pay the rent and help her to live as comfortably as possible. 

A couple of weeks ago, Patricia signed the lease and got the keys to her apartment. Her caseworker at Origin recounted the very happy and joyful experience. She said, "Patricia made friends with two neighbors on the way to her apartment with one being a kind gentleman who carried her laundry basket full of goodies for her, and the other a woman who invited her for dinner. The property manager gave her the keys so when we all got to her door, Patricia opened the door herself. She was so excited she did a little dance." Her caseworker said, "I do not think I could find the words to accurately describe how happy Patricia seemed. She cried over the carpet and ceiling fan in the bedroom and kept asking if this was really hers. She enjoyed looking at her private bathroom and was so focused on learning how to use the electric thermostat (She even asked to make sure she could adjust it). We left together so she could walk to a food drive not far away and on the way out she couldn’t help but give out hugs and kisses." 

Now that Patricia has a roof over her head, she has made goals of going to mental health and seeking treatment for addictions that she used to cope with being homeless. She also is hopeful that she can reconnect with her daughter soon. 

To learn more about the Lease on Life Program or the Homeless Prevention Program at Origin SC and the ways in which they assist individuals to work towards self-sufficiency & financial stability, please click the link below. 

Origin's Housing Stability Program:  https://originsc.org/homeless-prevention/

Or if you would like to donate to this program please visit: https://originsc.networkforgood.com/projects/112209-housing-financial-stability-donations

All names have been changed to respect privacy.

Written by Lindsey Jenkins,

Marketing & Outreach Manager at Origin SC