Moving forward from tragedy: Bill’s story

Moving forward from tragedy: Bill's story

October 17, 2024 9:19 AM
by Melinda Espinoza

This blog post is a collaboration with The People Concern.

After the passing of his wife, Bill T. made the bold decision to sell everything he owned and fulfill a dream they had once shared - to explore all 50 states together. Over the course of four years, Bill traveled through 44 states, living for months at a time in places like New Orleans, New York City and New Hampshire.

While living in Florida, Bill was targeted by gang members and attacked so violently brain surgery was required. Eventually, a semi-truck brought him to Southern California, where he hoped to start a new chapter in his life.

But life in Southern California was not easy. Bill found himself in Santa Monica roughly six years ago, struggling to make sense of his next steps.

One day, while he was navigating this uncertain period, he connected with a supportive community member. The two talked, and the person connected Bill with The People Concern's Annenberg Access Center, where Bill received supportive services including meals, case management, and access to laundry, showers and lockers.

That invitation was a turning point. Bill began volunteering at the Access Center, preparing meals twice a week. He felt like he had found purpose.

Yet, Bill's path was far from smooth. A life-threatening fall from a 15-foot wall left him hospitalized for several days. After his release, he was back to square one, recovering in Cloverfield Park, still searching for stability. It was there that an outreach team from The People Concern found him again, this time offering him a place in SAMOSHEL, the city -funded shelter operated by The People Concern.

Bill moved in and began his journey back to stability. The People Concern remained a steady presence in his life, throughout ups and downs, offering him the support and resources he needed to focus on healing. Reflecting on his experiences, Bill says that without the help of his case manager, his situation could have been far worse. He is grateful for their assistance, which has helped him not just survive, but start to rebuild.

Today, Bill is happily housed at The Laurel, a city-funded supportive housing community developed by EAH Housing, where residents receive onsite wrap-around services from The People Concern. Bill says he is focused on his future now. He has planted vegetables in the community garden and is looking forward to harvesting them. He also found a 1978 Jeep that he plans to restore.

Though still having to rely on his wheelchair, Bill is determined to regain his independence, starting with small steps like doing his own grocery shopping. For Bill, having a place to call home means safety and a foundation from which he can move forward.

Bill's journey is one of resilience and determination. With his will to rebuild, and thanks to having a place to call home and support from the city and The People Concern, he is now able to consider goals for the future and begin his next chapter.

Authored By

Melinda Espinoza
Communications and Marketing Coordinator

Categories

Housing, Programs