Teresa Del Oro
At Community HousingWorks, stories of resilience unfold every day - Teresa’s is a heartfelt and tangible journey of growth. After an unexpected end to her lease, Teresa and her beloved dogs were suddenly faced with homelessness. “I was at rock bottom,” she recalls. “But when I came here, I knew I had a chance to make things better.”
Finding a home at Alabama Manor marked a turning point. More than just a roof, Teresa found a community that offered compassion, support, and the tools to rebuild. Initially overwhelmed by the systems she had long been disconnected from; she slowly began taking steps toward independence with the help of CHW’s services and staff. “The people here really care. They want you to succeed.”
One of Teresa’s biggest challenges was accessing technology, until she discovered the on-site computer lab. With guidance and persistence, she learned to schedule appointments, manage documents, and even update her resume. “The computer lab was a game-changer,” she says. “I can do everything from renewing my passport to applying for jobs. I didn’t know how to do any of that before.”
Today, Teresa is not only self-sufficient - she’s giving back. Volunteering to help fellow residents navigate the same obstacles she once faced, she now offers guidance with computers, applications, and accessing benefits. “I want to be the person who helps, who gives a hand up,” she shares. “Everyone here has their struggles, but together, we can be good, we can do good.”
Her journey hasn’t been without setbacks, but her strength has only grown. With support from the staff and friendships within the community, Teresa has found joy in everyday moments - walking her favorite path, connecting with her community in the courtyard, and celebrating victories big and small. “They saved me,” she says, smiling. “And I’ve lost 40 pounds!”
Now, Teresa looks to the future with renewed hope and purpose. “I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’m not where I was,” she reflects. “And I know I’ll keep moving forward.” "I’ve learned that asking for help isn’t a weakness. It’s a step toward strength."
