I came to the United States over 20 years ago to make a better life for myself. I became a legal resident and was fortunate enough to land several well paying jobs, the most recent one with the Los Angeles Police Department. I was not alone when the layoffs came but it was no consolation when I was not able to pay my rent and was forced to leave my apartment. I did not know where to go for help so I went to live on the streets. I was there for over a year. While living on the streets I was robbed of all my personal belongings, including my identification, my social security card and my legal residence card.
I met Sr. Rosaline when she brought food, clothes and toiletries to those of us living in the park. She referred me to the Good Shepherd Center - Languille Emergency Shelter. It wasn’t easy starting over but I kept busy taking care of my physical, emotional and spiritual needs. During my stay at Languille I was able to replace my identification, my social security card and my legal resident card.
When I met Sr. Rosaline I was hopeless and weary but now I am a very happy person. The staff at Good Shepherd Center assisted me in applying for my social security retirement benefits. I am renting a room from a friend who owns a house in the Valley. I am very grateful to the Good Shepherd’s staff, especially Sr. Rosaline for giving me a chance to get back on my feet and to once again regain dignity and self respect.
A Program of Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc.