It is always such a pleasure when we have a success story to share, especially when it comes directly from the individual. Recently, a member from San Mateo Transitions, “P5,” shared her story in the online newspaper.

In her article titled “,” P5 said,

“I am a woman who can stand tall these days… For 8-10 years, I lived in encampments and local shelters. I lost track of time due to hardships, and I tried to escape by using drugs… my expedition to get into housing wasn’t a straight line. Prior to my last incarceration, I had been in jail seventeen times over four years. I had apartment arrangements with roommates through my psychiatry team and several residential recovery homes that I had to complete.

…I encourage you to persevere through the steps of progress that improve your situation, even if it feels like a step backward. As a friend of mine frequently says, “Keep your eye on the prize!”

I was asked to leave one residential program for false positive drug test results. I had to lean on my community college for a 4-week hotel stay to re-enter the shelter system again. That really felt like a step in reverse. However, the director of that shelter went to bat for me and advocated for me. After nine months of being in the system, I received a housing voucher. 

So, I encourage you to persevere through the steps of progress that improve your situation, even if it feels like a step backward. As a friend of mine frequently says, “Keep your eye on the prize!”

…These days, I am entering into an internship in the paralegal trade. I hope to graduate this spring. I live in a third-story ocean-view apartment a block from the beach. I am no longer living on the side of the freeway.”

This individual’s team also shares that she was just accepted into the internship, which is the final step needed to complete her paralegal degree.

We want to applaud P5 for her vision and strength to continue on her journey to housing, education, and career. We are grateful for her voice as she shares her story with others who may not have had a chance to see things from this perspective.

We also want to acknowledge San Mateo Transitions Team D for their work in helping this person make progress on her chosen journey. Their support and dedication helped P5, and many others like her, to reconnect with their health, hopes, and dreams.

Excerpts quoted from , Edition 1, January 2024, “” for full story.