Meet Dana! Dana is December's Monthly Client Feature at the Samaritan Center!
Dana moved to Simi Valley from Chicago in 2011 for a marketing position at a firm. Shortly after Dana started her new marketing position, she was abruptly laid off. Dana then struggled with finding employment, and by 2013 Dana began living out of her vehicle and experiencing homelessness.
Dana heard about the Samaritan Center through word of mouth and became a client back in 2021. Dana was frequently experiencing health issues due to living out of her vehicle. Dana mentioned that she was grateful to have access to regular showers, and she began meeting with her caseworker on a regular basis. Through case management, she was able to receive assistance with making doctor's appointments and getting connected with MediCal. Dana also participated in the PADS Winter Shelter program, which provided a safe and warm place to sleep during the cold winter months.
Recently, Dana and her caseworker, Miguel, worked to get her connected with a women's center program called Prototypes, which allowed Dana to no longer live out of her vehicle. Most notably, with Miguel's assistance, Dana recently made the Permanent Supportive Housing List! Dana and Miguel are hopeful that she will be matched with a unit upon her transition out of Prototypes.
When asked what would you say to those unaware of the struggles of homelessness Dana replied, “Homelessness can happen to anybody. I was living a beautiful life and then the next chapter came. The road isn’t long it’s never ending. Embrace it, pave it. No matter what bumps I’ve had I refuse to give up.”
Thank you for sharing your story, Dana!