Tom's Time with HomeFirst

“Working with HomeFirst has been a wonderful experience. The entire staff treated me with respect and dignity throughout the entire process of getting me back on my feet again” 

Emergency Interim Housing (EIH) Bernal

Three years ago, Tom was living in a tent in San Jose’s Columbus Park. Now, he’s living in an apartment that he can call his own. Tom’s active pursuit of permanent housing and the support that he received from HomeFirst, are what made this possible. 

In 2020, Tom lost his mother, father, and sister within an 18 month period, and these devastating losses took a toll on his emotional wellbeing. While he initially took a leave of absence from his job (which he had held for nearly 32 years), Tom ultimately lost his job, and ended up living on the streets. 

Tom first learned about HomeFirst and our Emergency Interim Housing (EIH) sites from HomeFirst outreach teams that would frequent Columbus Park, where he was staying. While he was initially skeptical of moving into an EIH, as he feared that it would strip him of his autonomy, Tom eventually decided to make the move, and is so glad that he did! 

Tom spent roughly 6 months living at Bernal, one of HomeFirst’s EIH sites, where he was provided with everything that he needed to live comfortably, and access to the resources that he would need to find permanent housing. Tom was active in his pursuit of a permanent housing solution. He met regularly with his case manager, developed relationships with other HomeFirst employees, asked questions, and eventually obtained a Section 8 Housing Voucher.  

Now, Tom is living in 5-plex that he loves, in a neighborhood that suits him, and he was thrilled to be provided with one of HomeFirst’s Exit to Housing Kits, kits filled with household essentials. Tom is now working through the shame that he feels about his past, while embracing the new opportunity that he has worked so hard for. He is looking forward to fully furnishing his space and finding employment. 

*Note: The name of the HomeFirst participant in this story has been changed (at their request) to protect their privacy.