SAN DIEGO — As an artist, social activist, and kind soul, ECS Uptown Safe Haven (UTSH) resident Faith is filled with joy and hope thanks to your generous support.
Faith poses with some of her artwork in her room at UTSH. April 2024.
However, the Faith you see today is not the same person you would have met last November when she arrived at UTSH.
Originally from South Carolina, Faith moved to Washington, DC, in her 20s, where she built a successful career as a sous chef. During this phase of her life, she started her gender-affirming transition and witnessed her self-confidence flourish as she embraced her true identity.
Then, suddenly, her life took a sharp turn when she experienced a violent act by a family member, triggering a period of debilitating depression. “I could not work in kitchens anymore, which was the love of my life,” she shared. “I lost everything — my house, car, friends, everything.”
She attempted to get back on her feet by accepting a job offer in San Diego, but when she arrived, she discovered the offer to be a scam, leaving her without income or shelter.
Experiencing homelessness and having no support system, her downward spiral continued as she faced persistent violence while living on the street, including being beaten and left for dead.
While recovering at the hospital, Faith was fortunate to connect with a therapist who helped her secure a place at the ECS Uptown Safe Haven. This crucial intervention provided the stability she needed to change her trajectory, a testament to the impact of your support.
“I was in a women’s shelter for a while and had nothing going for me. My transition had stopped. I didn’t have hope for housing,” she sighed before enthusiastically offering, “I came here, and it’s been a complete 180. I feel so much better.”
“It’s given me the second chance that I needed,” Faith continued. “I feel so re-energized now. I’m in such a better place now.”
Art is a source of self-care for Faith. April 2024.
Thanks to the love you have shown through your gifts to ECS, Faith now has the strength to forge a new path forward. “I’m in school again. I’m going to be a surgical tech in plastic surgery — a new career field that I’m really excited about.”
While living at UTSH, Faith focuses on creating art as part of her self-care therapy. “It keeps my mind super busy and helps with my anxiety and depression tremendously.”
When asked about her love for flowers and landscapes as subjects for her art, she revealed, “They're perfectly imperfect. That's what I love about them. They're kind of like people.”
Faith’s journey is supported by our UTSH Program Manager, Raul Verdugo.
““It’s all in the name — Uptown Safe Haven. It truly is a safe haven. It gives residents the opportunity to feel safe, and feeling safe allows for a positive change in their lives.””
As the program manager, Raul and his team go far beyond providing shelter and food for 19 residents. Thanks to your support, they can provide hope and stability along with services such as educational guidance, on-site support groups, and a manageable mental health plan, all of which are crucial in transforming lives.
Raul and Renee at work at UTSH. April 2024.
Faith recently wrote a note of gratitude to Raul and UTSH Resident Assistant Renee Coleman sharing the lifesaving impact of UTSH.
“Because of places like this, I have hope now,” Faith said.
Visit Uptown Safe Haven to learn more.