Denise had a growing career as a home healthcare worker when suddenly her hours were cut. Reduced income meant she and her girls were evicted from their home. After months of couch-surfing with friends, Denise’s perseverance paid off with housing help and a new apartment. She was referred to Imagine LA’s Family Partnership Model, where she grew her financial and work skills. Her girls enrolled in school and got the healthcare they needed. Denise now has a new, living-wage job and even wore her Imagine LA mentor’s veil at her wedding.

John and his son were living in their car. Despite this, John was able to make essentials like food and books appear when they were needed. But he was also hiding his substance abuse while Chris was barely getting by in school. John knew this couldn’t last, and landed a spot at Missouri Place, a supportive housing development where Imagine LA offers on-site services. Now Chris comes home from school to a safe apartment complex that offers tutoring and enrichment activities. John is in active counseling and recovery. “The beauty of it,” says John, “Is that this place has brought us closer together.”

Veronica and her 7-year-old daughter Samantha are survivors. Bonded by love, they also struggle with depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. After finding permanent supportive housing, Veronica joined Imagine LA’s Family Partnership Model. Therapy and an Imagine LA mentor improved her mental wellness, which helped Veronica feel more stable and confident about taking on new challenges. She completed her GED and started applying for part-time work while her daughter was in school. “I never gave up hope,” says Veronica, “Imagine LA helped me make it real.”