Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1376872
2 | ST. VINCENT'S CARLENE WAS 56 and had a serious drinking problem. She lost her friends, her home, her job, and ended up living on the streets of Marin for many years. Carlene tried to get help but bounced in and out of detox programs and shelters without success. After becoming completely blind in one eye and beginning to lose sight in her other eye, Carlene kept drinking to ease her pain. She sustained many injuries due to walking into traffic or falling that resulted in frequent hospital visits and police arrests. Looking at Carlene, it was impossible to imagine that she would live much longer. Undaunted, our supporters never gave up on what might be possible for Carlene. They helped us launch our Housing Outreach Team (HOT) program, that began by helping her move into a motel room with consistent support from an experienced case manager. Thanks to our supporters, St.Vincent's provided the shelter, food, and supportive At St.Vincent de Paul Society of Marin, Carlene found help services that Carlene needed to get better safely — off the streets. Carlene's health began to improve, eliminating her emergency room visits. Her thinking cleared, and she eventually gave up drinking altogether. Carlene's case manager helped her find a long-term solution so she could live independently despite her blindness, including a federal housing voucher, medical care, rental deposit, and basic furnishings. Because our supporters believed in the "impossible" Carlene is now living in good health in her own apartment with a live-in caregiver and a whole new chance for a better life. THE SOLUTION TO CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS IS HOUSING "IT FEELS LIKE I HAVE FINALLY WOKEN UP FROM A BAD DREAM. SOMEONE DOES CARE. THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME." —Carlene LEARN ABOUT CARLENE