Voices of Hope

In Episode 10 Voices of Hope we hear Mary share how after becoming homeless with her two children in 2010 due to deaths in the family, underemployment and high cost of rent she found hope and stability while living at HomeFirst’s Boccardo Family Living Center. Mary is in school to get a degree and knows what she has learned from HomeFirst and the support provided is helping her turn things around for her family. Produced by: Xian Ballesteros Alexander Mccoy Narration: Stephanie Demos © 2016 HomeFirst Services of Santa Clara County

At the age of 72 John was kicked out of the home he was living in. He received medical care at Valley Care Medical Center where he learned of HomeFirst and was taken to the Boccardo Reception Center. Since being at the BRC John has received life-saving services and is part of the New Start Program where homeless guests staying at the shelter are trained in a skill. Produced by: Xian Ballesteros Alexander Mccoy Narration: Stephanie Demos © 2016 HomeFirst Services of Santa Clara County

When Arlin was 29 and pregnant with her fourth child, she and her husband had to move. Concerned about the high cost of rent they turned to HomeFirst and was approved to move in to Boccardo Family Living Center. While living there they have been able to save money, take classes and plan for their families future. Produced by: Xian Ballesteros Alexander Mccoy Narration: Stephanie Demos © 2016 HomeFirst Services of Santa Clara County

Ben first became homeless in 1969. After years of living on and off the streets he came to HomeFirst’s Boccardo Reception Center. It was there that he received services and medical care through HomeFirst’s Veteran’s Programs. Ben now has his own apartment and is looking forward to volunteering and helping others. Produced by: Xian Ballesteros Alexander Mccoy Narration: Stephanie Demos © 2016 HomeFirst Services of Santa Clara County

Yahaira is a single mom who found herself and homeless with children. Today she is in school and lives at the Sobrato Family Living Center where her kids benefit from the weekly Tutor Club. Produced by: Xian Ballesteros Alexander Mccoy Narration: Stephanie Demos © 2016 HomeFirst Services of Santa Clara County

Steve, a veteran, became homeless after being assaulted in his own home where he was beaten so severely that he fell into a coma. Steve found help at our Boccardo Reception Center first for a bed and meal, and later for housing. Produced by: Xian Ballesteros Alexander Mccoy Narration: Stephanie Demos © 2016 HomeFirst Services of Santa Clara County

After 10 years of living on and off the street, Jaki found access to housing through HomeFirst. One of her biggest challenges was being pregnant while homeless and trying to navigate the shelter system. Produced by: Xian Ballesteros Alexander Mccoy Narration: Stephanie Demos © 2016 HomeFirst Services of Santa Clara County

Jim, a disabled veteran, was down to his last dollar when he was connected to shelter and eventually housing via the SSVF program. Today, he plans to go back to school and work in the medical field. Produced by: Xian Ballesteros Alexander Mccoy Narration: Stephanie Demos © 2016 HomeFirst Services of Santa Clara County

After becoming homeless with her husband and two daughters in 2014, Stephanny found support at the Boccardo Family Living Center. Produced by: Xian Ballesteros Alexander Mccoy Narration: Stephanie Demos © 2016 HomeFirst Services of Santa Clara County

Amelia became homeless after leaving an unhealthy living situation. At the age of 29, she was on the street, sleeping on the floor of friends’ homes, and doing odd jobs in exchange for rent. Produced by: Xian Ballesteros Alexander Mccoy Narration: Stephanie Demos © 2016 HomeFirst Services of Santa Clara County

A first look at Voices of Hope, a 12-week audio series from HomeFirst featuring unique stories of formerly homeless people in Silicon Valley. Produced by: Xian Ballesteros Alexander Mccoy Narration: Stephanie Demos © 2016 HomeFirst Services of Santa Clara County