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.
Success Stories
Saundra - Employment
Saundra had it all – a well-paying job, a home of her own, good friends, and a family with whom she was close. Four years ago, she lost it all to alcoholism. Living in a homeless shelter, she felt depressed, hopeless, and alone...until she found SEARCH.
With hard work and determination, Saundra got a job as a certified flagger for a local traffic control company. SEARCH helped her realize her dream of getting back to work and into her own home again. Today, Saundra supervises 51 flaggers, continues to be sober after four years, and remains a woman of deep faith. Saundra's greatest joy is the reconnection with her daughter and granddaughter after many years apart and knowing how proud they are of her.
George S. - Housing
George S. had been homeless and living on the streets for three years. During that time, George tried to get housing but was never able to complete the process on his own. Several months ago, George heard about the city’s Coordinated Access system, got assessed for housing, and was assigned to a case manager at SEARCH. Earlier this month, George was elated to move into his very own apartment.
After being homeless for so long, it was an adjustment just sleeping in his own bed. George laughed about the first nights in his apartment. "It wasn't easy getting used to sleeping in my own bed again. I was used to sleeping on the ground and people waking me up all the time. This is new for me!" George is also enjoying something that he hasn't been able to do for a very long time – cooking his own food. "My family taught me how to cook, and I missed so much the food I had growing up. Now, I can make all that again." When speaking about SEARCH, George couldn't hold back the tears. "God is good, and God bless all SEARCH has done for me. They believed in me. Thank you so much."
Emil - Engagement
Last year, SEARCH's Mobile Outreach team met Emil, who had lost his right leg and all of the toes on his left foot several years before. A special bond formed immediately between Emil and SEARCH’s Outreach Specialist, Jess. Since that first encounter, Jess began connecting Emil to various services and resources at SEARCH and throughout the community. One of SEARCH's Disability Specialists helped Emil apply for and obtain Social Security benefits.
Because of Emil's physical limitations, Jess contacted the Houston Police Department's Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) for help transporting Emil to medical and mental health appointments, shelters, and more. A team full of compassion and determination formed between SEARCH’s Mobile Outreach Team, SEARCH Disability Team, and HPD's HOT Team to help this sweet, caring gentleman named Emil. With the collective efforts of this team, Emil was able to obtain his Texas identification, was connected with much-needed medical treatment and mental health services, and most importantly, Emil was placed in housing and is no longer living on the streets. It truly takes a village.
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.
