“I loved taking care of people,” says Janice, an Oakland native and elder. Until she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, Janice worked as a home healthcare worker. Later, when her mother passed away, a family member sold the house and kept the money. Janice and three of her siblings had no place to live. 

For a time, Janice stayed with her boyfriend. But the relationship became violent. Janice fled with just a few belongings. “I drove my car directly to the San Leandro Marina,” she says. For two long years, she lived in her car there. 

Three of Janice’s siblings died without shelter. Janice herself contracted Covid twice. One day a police officer asked her if she’d like to be connected with services. Janice said yes.

Building Futures’ Street Outreach Team took the time to build trust with Janice. “Randy came to me at the Marina,” Janice remembers. “He found me resources. He would bring delicious food that a staff member’s mother cooked.”

Janice began attending Building Futures’ laundry days in San Leandro. She also met our partners at April Showers, where she could access everything from a shower to a hot lunch to books to clothes and toiletries.

Janice and Randy built trust by sharing stories about their lives. “He felt like a brother to me,” Janice says. Randy helped Janice to document her disability, and provided support, food, and advocacy with appointments and resources. 

Janice was proactive and consistent. For two years, she applied for every housing program available. “Part of my work is keeping people’s spirits up,” says Randy. “I always reminded Janice where we started, where we’d come, and what we aimed for.” 

Finally, Janice’s application was accepted. She was elated. “Once I got my apartment, Building Futures provided me with furniture and all the essentials,” she says. 

”Janice is MOTIVATED,” says Randy. “It lifted me to see her strength and spirit and energy.”

Janice still fishes and traps crabs at the San Leandro Marina. “I can’t stay away from this beautiful place,” she says. “I sit and think and get my head right. Building Futures is a blessing!”