What is your life like now?

I have been in my apartment for almost eight  years now. It's so great to have our own space, cook in my own kitchen, have family movie night regularly. It's little things that I appreciate so much having my own home. I'm working and raising all my kids on my own and am so thankful to get to do it in our own home. We visit the beach, do puzzles together and board games together; haven't yet been able to afford to take a vacation together but hopefully soon in the future. 

What do you remember from your time at COTS? What was your experience like?

It was scary I'm not going to lie. I had ALLOT of roommates. Some amazing, some not, but I did meet so many different people and built friendships that I would never have. I heard stories from residents that made me appreciate my life so much and understand homelessness in a way I never had. The homeless community for the most part look out for each other. My first year there, Polly was my savior. She kept me focused and hopeful and gave me direction. We were kept busy there with trainings and support groups. We also had donations of clothes and food and blankets that brought comfort, and helped tremendously. My kids still have their hand made blankets they received from there. They also remember amazing food from the Coast Guard and the year we cooked Thanksgiving dinner for ourselves and four other families on our floor. COTS did fun events for the kids each holiday, such as pumpkin carving, ginger bread house decorating, Santa visits and Christmas party. They put on talent shows starring the kids, bingo nights and art sessions. They did their best to allow the kids to focus on being kids and not being homeless. My kids didn't ever consider themselves homeless, we just had allot of roommates lol. 

What did it take to get back on your feet? What and who helped?

When my time was nearing the end at COTS, we were able to enter a lottery for a Burbank apartment that was being built in town. COTS staff helped me sign up for it and kept me in the know about what was coming up next. I was able to save a bit of money while I was there. But what really helped was the rapid rehousing program. They not only helped me with the deposit and the first month's rent but helped with rent for a few months.  I would not be in my home if it weren't for that help. I'm still in that same home now. 

What advice and encouragement can you offer COTS clients?

Keep going. Hopelessness takes over more days then hope, but there's a light at the end of the darkness. Do not give up. There were so many times I cried in my room, thinking I'm the biggest screw up, I'm the worst mom for landing my family in a homeless shelter.  But after I realized I'm really not a screw up I actually took that hard step forward and reached out for help to keep my kids in a safe shelter until we could get into our own place. In the end, the hard work you are doing there is worth it. Dealing with the tough roommates, all the groups and meetings (even the ones that don't apply to you) it's all worth it when you step your foot your own place. Please don't give up or give in to defeat. Being homeless doesn't break you it shows you how bad ass you are and how tough you are. Take walks, take you time to think and process and cry-- for sure, cry--but then dry your tears and know that you are going to be fine as long as you stay focused and push through. 

What do you know now that you wish you'd known while you were experiencing homelessness?

That I was going to be fine. That I was going to have my own place that I am stronger than I gave myself credit for.