Ron's Story

Ron is a resident of Community HousingWorks’ Alabama Manor senior community in San Diego. Ron became homeless in 1994 after he was robbed at gunpoint and his life savings were stolen from him. Without money, resources, transportation or friends, he was forced to live in shelters. “I remember it was a cold and rainy winter and I was downtown without any money in the pouring rain. I was in a pit of despair sitting in a shelter at Christmas time.” Homelessness had devastating effects on his health. “I was sick all the time… I perpetually had bronchitis and had to go to the emergency room a lot.” His health continued to decline even after he got off the street. Rising rents and unstable housing situations meant he never lived anywhere for more than a year or two. His high blood pressure and diabetes got worse as he desperately searched for a safe place to live that he could actually afford.

After over a year of applying to every affordable apartment waitlist he could find, Ron finally found a home at Alabama Manor, where he has lived since 2009. Ron finally has a stable home of his own.

“Something people take for granted is the ability to relax and feel secure in their own home."

A safe stable home has helped Ron feel healthier than ever. Now that he no longer worries about where he is going to sleep at night, his chronic health issues have improved. He sleeps better than he has in years and effectively manage his diabetes and blood pressure. Ron is no longer isolated and volunteers at the CHW Community Center to give other senior residents a place to go outside of their apartment and connect with each other. With affordable rent, Ron can now afford a cell phone, a computer, and maintenance on his car so he can visit friends and go to his local YMCA and Balboa Park.

“At Alabama Manor, I can finally enjoy my life. I am truly free and independent.”

Ron’s experience with affordable apartments goes far beyond being a resident. He has 20 years of experience as a property manager and a volunteer for affordable housing communities.His experience gave him a unique perspective, a deep understanding of both the work and the urgent need for it throughout San Diego.

Ron wants people to know that although he is now in a safe, stable home, there is still a lot of work to be done. “There are plenty of people who don’t have the opportunity to leave shelters,” he says. “I hit rock bottom, and while I had some blessings, I had to work hard, use my intelligence, and rely on a network of kind people to recover. We need more affordable housing to make sure more people have the opportunities I had.”