A Journey to Stability: Yaya's Path to Permanent Supportive Housing

Kamal and Yaya

When Kamal Young began working at EOCP as a case manager in the summer of 2021, his first client was Yaya. Despite facing significant health challenges and having no income to secure permanent housing, Yaya remained positive and lighthearted, often making Kamal laugh. The road to stabilizing was long for Yaya.

Referred to EOCP by Highland Hospital after being hit by a car, Yaya was left using a walker and a wheelchair. During his stay at EOCP, he returned for emergency care several times until his medical team was able to stabilize his health. At every step, Kamal ensured Yaya received the necessary medical care by following up with doctors and booking paratransit rides for appointments.

At 71 years old, Yaya had no other recourse but to seek permanent supportive housing for very low-income individuals. The process was highly competitive, and Yaya faced additional challenges as he did not meet typical income standards. After many attempts and a lengthy waiting period, Yaya moved out of EOCP’s Crossroads shelter in February to a supportive housing site in Berkeley for unhoused and disabled adults, developed by Resources for Community Development, a nonprofit developer.

Yaya’s new home is a 35-unit building featuring a courtyard where he enjoys basking in the sun and socializing with residents and friends. Kamal continues to be attentive to Yaya’s needs, ensuring he has ongoing medical appointments, food, recreation, and other supports to stay in permanent housing. Kamal will provide aftercare services for six months. Although Kamal misses Yaya at the Crossroads shelter, he is thrilled that Yaya's new home is working out.