Richard's Story

In the quiet neighborhood of Chula Vista, nestled within the walls of Wakeland’s Casa Anita, resides a man whose journey through life tells a tale of resilience and hope.

Meet Richard, a retired master welder who dedicated four decades of his life to the art of welding. His journey took an unexpected turn when, at the age of 58, injuries to his back, legs, and hips forced him to bid farewell to the sparks and flames of his welding career. Transitioning to low-paying retail jobs became a necessity, but life had more challenges in store for him.

In mid-2022, Richard found himself facing the harsh reality of homelessness. His residence, a low-cost Single Room Occupancy (SRO) in downtown San Diego, became a place of discomfort and unease. "I was the only one not doing drugs," he recalls. Unable to afford an alternative, Richard made the difficult decision to leave, embarking on a nine-month journey of homelessness.

His car became both refuge and shelter, parked discreetly in church lots overnight. Sleep eluded him as concerns for his safety kept him on high alert. To stay awake, he resorted to consuming "pots and pots of coffee," battling the fatigue that came with constant vigilance. Despite the hardships, Richard persisted, continuing to work while grappling with the challenges of homelessness.

Amidst this struggle, a glimmer of hope appeared. In December 2022, Richard found a lifeline in Casa Anita, a beacon of stability provided by Wakeland. The moment he stepped into his new home, he felt an overwhelming sense of relief. "I slept for 16 hours the first night I moved in," he shares, emphasizing the profound impact of having a safe and comfortable haven of his own.

Richard's resilience doesn't end there. Unemployed while awaiting hip replacement surgery, he refuses to be stagnant. Instead, he's chosen to enroll in school, embarking on a journey to become a paralegal. The newfound stability of Casa Anita has allowed him to dream of a future beyond his previous constraints.

Beyond his professional aspirations, Richard is an avid fisherman who practices catch and release. He also incorporates meditation into his daily routine, habits cultivated since his youth but temporarily lost during his homeless stint.

His gratitude echoes through the walls of Casa Anita. This newfound home not only provides structure but also enables him to indulge in his hobbies, focus on the future, and reconnect with family. Richard extends his thanks to Wakeland for providing him with this unit, a place that not only grants him peace but will also facilitate the upcoming surgery he so desperately needs. He actively engages with the Community Center and its services, embracing the support and community that Wakeland Casa Anita has become for him—a sanctuary in every sense.

As you read Richard's story, we invite you to join us in making a difference in the lives of individuals like him. Your support can transform more stories of struggle into tales of resilience and triumph.

Consider making a donation today. Together, let's build a community where everyone has a place to call home. Your generosity can make a lasting impact.