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Caminar welcomed Gina after her doctor referred her to Redwood House, Caminar’s crisis residential house in Redwood City. Prior to obtaining services, Gina was unhoused for over a month, wandering the streets, and experiencing delusions. Gina was admitted into care because of psychosis and feelings of suicide after her apartment caught fire and compromised her housing. Overnight, Gina found herself in unfamiliar and challenging circumstances, and survival mode went into effect immediately.
In addition to coping with the loss of her home, and her son’s irreplaceable childhood mementos, Gina was also struggling with PTSD and substance use. She tells us that she was isolated and unwell for months, and the fire displacement exacerbated her condition. Gina, a survivor of abuse and kidnapping, was not prepared for what she was up against when she became unhoused.
Gina shares, “Being outside was tough. I started stealing from stores to stay alive and keep myself clean. I didn’t want to look like a homeless person. I slept inside of a couple of people's cars and thank God they didn’t get mad at me. In my mind, it was an adventure; I would steal from this store and that store. Until I came to and realized that was no adventure. I know now it was survival.”
While unhoused Gina questioned her worth, and the value of her life. This was the biggest heartbreak she had ever experienced. Eventually, Gina sought care, a step that led her to Caminar’s doors.
“It feels good to have the security of knowing I have a roof over my head, and meals,” she shares. Gina is grateful that the services were given to her during a rough time in her life. Finding community was an unexpected joy Gina has experienced ever since integrating herself at Redwood House. She shares that she never thought she would establish such significant connections while in care.
In fact, her peers are what led her to participate in Michael Collopy’s Expressive Arts Program. “The programming has encouraged me to return to my passion for art, and challenges my capabilities, and Mike has a relaxed approach.” Gina shares that the impact of the program has been eye-opening, since she found that color and illustration articulate how she feels inside.
For Gina, a soon-to-be grandmother, taking back her power has been a repetitive theme in her life. Now, Gina makes the most of every day and is grateful to have reclaimed her life and well-being.
