Pub. 7 2017 Issue 3

19 ISSUE 3. 2017 San Francisco for supporting the construction of La Mesita Apart - ments," says Michael Hughes, Chief Executive Officer of A New Leaf. "Our residents come from difficult backgrounds - domestic violence, homelessness, poverty - and it is a wonder to see their lives transformed at La Mesita, which is a true hub connecting residents to each other and to our programs and services." A Continuum of Care Key to offering a long-term solution to homelessness, and to helping low-income households that may be one paycheck away from home - lessness stay in housing, is A New Leaf’s integrated approach to supportive services. "It has evolved into a continuum of care," says Laura Bode, A New Leaf’s Development Director. "We do a lot of things and keep adding more services, but they all connect." The campus includes a Head-Start daycare center, community room and gym, counseling center, and office space to provide services that foster self-sufficiency: case management, legal aid, counseling for domestic violence survivors, and art and pet therapy to help children overcome behavioral issues. "There are so many resources," Khalifa says. "The after-school program is amazing." For adults, courses in financial literacy are available, and a workforce development coach is onsite to help residents create resumes and learn basic computer skills to search and apply for jobs online. Staff can also connect them with training opportunities and with tutoring for the GED. "I kind of fell from the executive suite like a bag of wet cement." - Resident Doug Laird Resident Doug Laird, 53, worked with the job coach to develop a resume he can use to seek opportunities to apply his skill set to new industries. Doug has struggled with depression and addiction. After a successful banking career collapsed in the wake of the financial crisis, he came out to Arizona from Nebraska. "I kind of fell from the executive suite like a bag of wet cement," he shares. "Last year was pretty crazy, I think I had seven different living places, including the street." Then he landed at the East Valley Men’s Center, also managed by A New Leaf, and from there was guided to apply for place at La Me - sita. After living in a 5x7-foot space with 4-foot walls and 95 other men at the center, he’s grateful to have a small efficiency studio all to himself. And he’s glad to have an opportunity to give back while earning a little money picking up around the grounds. Steps to Self-Sufficiency "I’m looking for something full-time and permanent," Doug says. "For all this place has done for me, I would do this job without pay. I’m very grateful and proud to be here." But the $8 per hour he’s making is critical right now, since he’s been deferred for eight weeks from earning money through plasma donations, and food stamps won’t cover some of the basic necessities. Doug knows it’s going to be a long haul, but feels the economy may be picking up and his employment prospects improving. In the meantime, he says, "It’s good to get out the door and feel productive." Kate is currently working at a call center and Khalifa at the Circle K, as they prioritize a schedule that allows for caring for small children. The couple is making plans, though, to take turns studying for better opportunities while juggling work and family. Kahlifa’s initial goal will be to finish her GED, while Kate has her eye on an X-ray tech - nician course at the local community college. In the meantime, for Kate, Khalifa, Doug, and all the other residents of La Mesita, safe, affordable, supportive housing is the first-step on the journey to self-sufficiency. As Kate explains, "To know you have somewhere to come home to every night and you don’t have to worry about anything, it’s such a blessing." w