Homeless Senior Finds Safe Haven, New Outlook at San Francisco’s Mosaica
One year ago this month, LSS helped Glenda Robinzine, a depressed 62-year-old women with cancer who had been homeless for two years, moved into her own furnished studio apartment at Mosaica, the new permanent supportive housing facility for families and seniors located in San Francisco’s Mission District.
Today Robinzine is getting the health care she needs and is “much more cheery and upbeat,” says her case worker, Leandro Gonzales. “She has a very positive attitude about herself.”
“This is a case of an elderly person who became homeless, and now she’s off the streets, is safe and stable and is getting health services,” says LSS deputy Director Nancy Nielsen. “This is the core of what we do.”
LSS works with the County Department of Public Health and the Human Services Agency to find housing and provide money management services for formerly homeless adults living with physical and mental disabilities and case management services for adults, families and seniors living in supportive housing sites.
Robinzine wrote a letter describing the roots of her homelessness and expressing her appreciation for LSS’ help. We’re privileged to share portions of it with you:
I arrived in San Francisco in 1992 from Chicago after working for the city and county since 1973. I came to care for my aunt along with her husband. …
In 2003, I was diagnosed with cancer, and in 2005 lost my husband, followed by my aunt passing in 2006. Then after a year and a half not being able to pay my cousin the amount of rent he wanted, I was evicted and became homeless. I then slept in the home with no gas, lights or water. …
After I moved in to Mosaica, everyone that saw me could not believe how I even looked; there was a glow about me. My doctor said you could just tell the difference. LSS gave me a new outlook on life that’s unbelievable, even to me. I actually sit and cry all tears of joy. I had nothing, just clothes in a piece of luggage. LSS has inspired me to the utmost. I came from being suicidal, not eating and the worst depression to a beautiful, God-loving, dressing all the time “senior citizen.”
LSS even furnished my apartment, I believe there’s nothing they won’t do to help, and you don’t even have to ask, they are just unbelievable.