From Surviving to Thriving - Meet Patricia

Patricia is a wonderful example of the difference a supportive and stable environment makes in the life of someone who had struggled for years on the streets to merely survive. 

The solution to homelessness is so simple: Housing. But not just any housing. Affordable Housing. Safe Housing. And for some, housing that includes ongoing Supportive Services. Housing changes everything.

Patricia, 1999 & 2013

Patricia is a wonderful example of the difference a supportive and stable environment makes in the life of someone who had struggled for years on the streets to merely survive. In her 60s, she had a rough life, making her home in a nearby park throughout the 1990s. She was also an on-again, off-again Guest at the Lincoln Park Community Shelter. Although guarded about her history, bits were revealed as we gained her trust – she grew up in the suburbs, had worked as a cashier at a local college into her 40s, but the details ended there. Unfortunately, because we did not yet have the capacity to be open year-round, we couldn't provide the ongoing support that she needed. Each spring, when we closed for the season, Patricia would return to “her” park.

In the summer of 1999, LPCS remained open for the first time, and Patricia was able to stay with us. “I couldn’t change life myself,” she says. And because we were able to maintain that connection, we were able to refer her to a permanent supportive housing program that we believed would be a good fit for her. In July, 2000, she moved into a studio apartment in Lakeview. For the first time in many years, she had a stable home.

The first few months were challenging for Patricia.  After years of homelessness, she would catch herself wandering through the park, because she struggled to come to terms with the fact that she had her own home.  She even slept in the park for a few nights, because it had become a part of who she was. But with the support and encouragement of LPCS, she eventually found comfort in her new community.

Thirteen years later, Patricia remains housed and stable. She now lives in a senior building just a few blocks from LPCS. She’s no longer struggling to survive – she’s thriving. She has many friends in the building and is often called upon to help her neighbors. She even works a part-time job at the front desk. 

Read more about the impact that LPCS programs are making by visiting our website.

Just like LPCS provides stability to our Guests and Graduates, you can provide stability for LPCS. Any amount is appreciated, and will directly benefit the programs that help Guests like Patricia escape homelessness for good to achieve true long-term stability. In addition, a generous foundation has offered to match any donations from new or returning donors, doubling the impact of your donation! Please give today! 

Patricia’s before and after story is remarkable, and there are many current Guests at LPCS who could use your help to transform their current situations into our next success stories. Your continued support will ensure that Guests will escape the cycle of homelessness to achieve true long-term stability.

Many, many thanks, 

Executive Director