Welcome Home, Heriberto!
There is a special kind of joy that comes with finding a place to call home. It's a feeling of security, comfort, and the start of a new chapter in one's life. We are beyond excited that this is now true for our neighbor Heriberto, who recently moved into his new home after a challenging journey. It started when Heriberto found himself in a vulnerable position—hospitalized due to complications from COVID-19. While he was in the hospital, he had lost the room he was renting from a private homeowner and became homeless. It was at this critical moment that Norwalk Social Services referred him to KCB. Despite having a fixed income from SSI, he did not have sufficient funds to rent a place of his own. This predicament led him to sporadic couch surfing, which not only affected his health but also posed challenges due to his age. KCB recognized his need for stability and matched him with an Emergency Housing Voucher, initiating the application process.
While waiting for the approval of his voucher, Heriberto was also matched to Whittier Project HomeKey (PHK). This temporary solution provided him with a roof over his head and an opportunity to work closely with a dedicated housing navigator. Together, they embarked on a comprehensive housing search to find a place that Heriberto could eventually call home.
As fate would have it, the PHK where Heriberto was staying had to demobilize, leading to his transfer to a congregant shelter in Whittier, hosted by Whittier First Day. Despite the challenges, Heriberto remained resilient and determined. During his time at the shelter, he persevered in his housing search and, to everyone's delight, stumbled upon an open unit at Belcourt Senior Apartments in Norwalk—a potential home just waiting for him.
With the unit identified, KCB stepped in to provide valuable assistance in navigating the application process. KCB also helped connect Heriberto to the Salvation Army for extra support, further bolstering his chances of a successful move-in. The combined efforts of KCB and the Salvation Army enabled Heriberto to overcome the financial barrier of the security deposit. KCB strategically utilized Older Adult Flex Funds to cover the deposit, while the Salvation Army pledged to provide additional move-in assistance, including furniture and appliances.
As we celebrate Heriberto's move-in to his new home, we are reminded of the power of compassion, collaboration, and community. Through the unwavering support of various organizations and the indomitable spirit of Heriberto himself, a once uncertain future has transformed into a promising new beginning. As we join Heriberto in celebrating this joyous milestone, let us be inspired to continue extending a helping hand to those who need it most, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to find their place to call home.