Adela’s Story: A Caregiver in Need

Adela moving into her new home

Adela Peña has worked all her life as a live-in caregiver. She lost her job when the woman she took care of for 20 years started to need specialized nursing care. Losing her job also meant losing her housing and she had no immediate family or friends that she could lodge with so she turned to EOCP through a referral.

During her eight-month stay at EOCP, Adela lived at the Crossroads shelter and worked closely with Terenda Goodwin-Rainey, her assigned Case Manager.  As Terenda began learning about Adela’s situation, she shared that she no longer wanted to move from place to place for work.  At 76 years of age, Adela needed safe and stable housing that she could afford on her SSDI income of $1,600 per month.

Adela and Terenda searched for affordable housing for many months. Most of the affordable housing waiting lists were long and the process became very frustrating for Adela.  However, Adela and Terenda persisted and constantly networked with Saint Mary’s Center and Catholic Charities of the East Bay.

After many attempts, Adela became eligible for a newly remodeled one-bedroom apartment at Posada de Colores in the Fruitvale District of Oakland.  Adela was thrilled – the monthly cost for her new home is $480.  Adela had diligently saved her money and was able to acquire the essentials she needed for her new apartment.

On February 6th, 2025 with support from Terenda, Adela successfully moved to her permanent home, a senior community residence. Adela continues to work as a caregiver a couple of days a week.