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HOMELESS &
LOW INCOME
SERVICES |
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ALSO OF INTEREST:
-
CD Program List
- Links
- News & Notes
- Q & A: Homelessness in Santa
Monica
- Reports to City Council
- Service Guides & Policy
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Where to Get Help
- Who to Call (Resident Guide)
- Related City Services
-
E-Mail Us |
SUCCESS STORY: EARNEST
ARMOR
Earnest ended over twenty years of homelessness in
July 2004 when he moved into his own Section 8
apartment. From childhood, Earnest lived with an
undiagnosed mental illness. As a result, he
suffered symptoms of acute anxiety, depression, and
persistent insomnia. Due to these symptoms, he
developed a pattern of self-medicating with illicit
drugs and fleeing tumultuous situations. He
traveled between Indiana, Arizona, and California.
Along the way, he participated in treatment
programs, but was not able to fully utilize such
services until recently.
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In early 2004, Earnest returned to Step Up On
Second; this time to stay. He came seeking housing
and assistance with various daily living
activities. He was assessed by clinical staff and
it was determined he suffered from acute
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder as well as substance
dependence.
Earnest has a unique history of homelessness in that
he has been employed for all of his adult life.
While homeless, he worked in the business world,
painted houses, and managed an apartment building.
He is industrious to say the least, but his
addiction to cocaine kept him on the streets. Once
Earnest treated his addiction and underlying mental
health condition, however, he was able to make a
quick transition back into the community. Today, he
lives at Step Up’s Community of Friends building.
He participates regularly in therapeutic groups both
as a peer leader and as a participant. Earnest’s
current treatment addresses both his mental health
symptoms and his past addictive behaviors. |
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posted 4/5/06
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This page was last modified on
11/19/2007 |
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