Patricia

Meeting Patty in her apartment at Casa Del Sol, one would never imagine that she survived fifteen long years living without a home. 

In the beginning she had a car, and she would do her best to sleep at night, although the fear of being alone in a deserted area made it difficult. One night, it was pouring rain and she was in the back seat, cold, hungry and without any hope; she thought that maybe this was the time that she should check out and end her life because she saw a future as bleak as the present. It was at this very moment that her cat, Charlie, jumped out from under the front seat and onto her chest. She immediately thought, “who would take care of Charlie, I have to stay for her.” She credits this moment and Charlie as one of the reasons that she is still here today. 

In 2020, Patty and Charlie moved into Casa del Sol, an ACOF apartment community. Patty has created a home that brings her joy, surrounding herself with her own original paintings, handmade curtains, figurative lamps, and a unique collection of tchotchkes. She did not forget to do the same for her best friend Charlie – she built a catwalk along three of the four walls, allowing Charlie to both explore and relax from a safe and elevated perch.

A day does not go by that Patty doesn’t feel grateful for her life now. Her hard work and the support of her ACOF community has created a positive and fulfilling life.

This story was collected in 2022.