When the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter opened in early April, one of the first people to enter was a senior named Sylvia.

Sylvia had previously owned her own business in town along with her children, but she later realized they were not contributing equally to the business expenses and were relying on her for their livelihood. Sylvia decided for her own survival she needed to leave the business and have her adult children fend for themselves.

This decision resulted in Sylvia becoming homeless.

Through the Bridge Shelter and her assigned case manager, Sylvia was able to make contact with an old family friend who she had once helped.

The family friend was able to return the favor to Sylvia by offering her a place to live in another state with a much lower cost of living. Sylvia remained upbeat and positive during her stay at the shelter. She saw it as a safe haven for nearly a month until she was eventually able to secure transportation, via train, to move to her new home.

We are happy to report Sylvia has been reunited with her old friend in the Pacific Northwest and has begun her new life. Congratulation Sylvia!