For a Houston without Homelessness
Since 1989, SEARCH has been providing hope, creating opportunity, and transforming lives for thousands of men, women, and children who are trying to break free from the cycle of poverty and homelessness. As we work to make homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring, our ultimate vision is of a Houston without homelessness.
Wendi - HTT/Education
Wendi found herself homeless with four young girls after fleeing an abusive relationship. Battling severe mental illness and trying to cope, Wendi felt lost, alone, and hopeless. Then she found SEARCH and the House of Tiny Treasures. With her three youngest girls enrolled at the House of Tiny Treasures, Wendi was able to take the steps she needed to turn their lives around.
Fast forward (seven) years later. After earning three degrees at community college with a 4.0 grade average, Wendi is now a supervisor at a growing Fortune 5000 company. She is attending the University of Houston on a full academic scholarship to get a degree in management.
Keina - Housing
A single mother at only 19 years old, Keina is determined to provide a better life for herself and her 4-month old son. Keina's troubles started when her family lost their home in Hurricane Katrina. Eventually placed into the custody of CPS, Keina found herself homeless again after aging out of the foster care system. Keina was living at a shelter when she found SEARCH. Struggling with a learning disability, Keina relied heavily on SEARCH to help her navigate the complex and overwhelming process of obtaining housing. With SEARCH’s help and support, Keina is now in a home of her own and is working to graduate high school. Keina has promised her case manager that "Failure is not an option!"
Jhonathan B. - Housing
Disconnected from his family and let go from his part-time job - Jhonathan B., 21, found himself homeless. With SEARCH's help, after a year and a half of being homeless, Jhonathan opened the door to his new apartment.
What does this mean to Jhonathan? Jhonathan states "It feels good now that I don’t have to deal with anyone trying to steal my things now that I have a door with a lock on it." He was also overjoyed to finally have the opportunity to "shower whenever he wants to." After having a place to call home, Jhonathan expressed his desire to find a job to help him get back on his feet.
Byron - Housing
When Byron was released from jail after a long, intense history of incarceration, he was homeless. Byron applied for housing through a jail diversion program. Because Byron had no phone, he stayed on the streets near SEARCH so he could be in close touch with his case manager, and he stopped by several times each week to see her. Four months later, Byron moved into his new home.
When Byron's case manager asked him how he had stayed clean and sober, out of trouble, and out of jail while waiting for housing, Byron said, "Ms. Divya, you are working so hard all the time to get me an apartment. You are doing so much for me. I was a nobody; nobody ever called me by my name. I was just some homeless bum off the street whose second home was jail, and no one ever cared for me the way you did. So how can I possibly let you down? You inspired me and motivated me to get where I am today."
