You Can Do This!

Jaycee Lora was connected to one of EOCP’s field-based housing programs, where staff provides services needed by families, anywhere in the community. She was unhoused and had limited income to support herself and her teenage child. She was also pregnant. Jaycee is going to school to become a Medical Assistant and is completing a paid internship at a cardiologist office. Upon graduation, she will become a full-time employee at this medical office.

Due to her limited income, Jaycee was not able to secure housing. She needed more assistance to live in the community and provide for her young children. When Jaycee was introduced to EOCP, she was frustrated and did not know how to navigate the housing market nor the public school system. Her 13-year old needed special education support and she did not know how to help him. EOCP provided Jaycee with all of her family’s needs including: advocacy with the public school system and with private property owners, supportive counseling, and financial assistance for move-in costs, a housing deposit and temporary rental costs. Jaycee’s hard work paid-off recently when she secured permanent housing in Oakland. Jaycee shared her experience at EOCP:

When I was introduced to EOCP, I sat and cried. I thought help was never going to happen. Being unhoused and pregnant and with my 13-year old in toe was difficult. It was the worse feeling ever. I kept hearing daily: “Mommy, do we have to get up? Mommy, I don’t like this.” But EOCP came through and I am feeling blessed that I had an opportunity.

The day I met Rachel, my Case Manager, she walked through every step of the program. The words that will always stick with me are “You got this. You can do this.” We were placed into a motel temporarily until we were able to find housing. There were days when I just wanted to give up but I pushed. Finally, we found our home after looking at 25 different places. It was not easy but we did it!

I am currently going to school and working. I will graduate in May 2024. I am forever grateful.