Alice, a resident of ECS Uptown Safe Haven (UTSH) since January, is known for her kindness and generosity, but mental illness has created challenging obstacles along her path. “I am bipolar schizophrenic affected,” Alice said. About every two years, she experiences a severe mental breakdown.
After a particularly bad breakdown, Alice returned to her parents’ house only to learn that her brother-in-law, in an effort to keep Alice and her breakdowns at bay, had obtained a restraining order against Alice with both of her parents listed on it. She violated the restraining order in a state of psychosis and promptly turned herself in. After five months in jail, Alice was released and placed in an independent living facility where she began psychiatric therapy.
While at the independent living facility, Alice got a new job. However, as her hours increased during the holiday rush, she was told she no longer qualified for free housing with that program, and the rent was more expensive than what she could afford. Just as she felt hope dissipating again, she learned about an opportunity to move to transitional housing at UTSH.
Life changed for Alice after moving to UTSH where she continued therapy and participated in support groups. The staff offered her continuous support and kindness. “I realized that not all people are bad,” she said. “There are people who are good, there are people who understand, there are people who want to make it better for you. And that’s what I found here.”
The staff’s admiration for Alice’s thoughtfulness shines just as bright. Alice frequently goes above and beyond her chores and she volunteers with Voices of Our City Choir. But the kindness that Alice is perhaps best known for is her birthday cake tradition: baking cakes for all residents and staff birthdays and sobriety anniversaries!
A few months ago, Alice went before a judge to address the charges on her record from violating the restraining order. During her court session, the judge pulled out a letter written by Raul, UTSH’s Program Manager, vouching for Alice’s character. “I feel compelled to write this letter to support Alice because she has been one of the most outstanding residents we have had during my time as program manager,” the letter read. “Her positive energy, reliability, and eagerness to grow makes her a valuable member of both our program and the broader community.”
“The judge asked me, ‘do you know what this letter says?’” Alice recalled. “I just nodded. I couldn’t even speak. I was too busy crying. And she says, ‘this is the kind of letter that sways me.’ And she expunged my record.” Through counseling and community activities, Alice has prepared herself for independent living. Just a few weeks ago, Alice was approved for her own apartment.
Because of her mental illness, Alice used to live in constant fear. “But with the support that I have, especially from Uptown Safe Haven, it’s really different,” Alice said. “To be in an environment where you learn to live in your own place makes it so that you have a better outcome when you do get there.” Alice expressed immense gratitude for the UTSH staff, ECS donors, Downtown Impact, San Diego Housing Commission, and God.
Scan to support individuals like Alice.
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