Dan and his wife Elsa entered the City of San José Emergency Interim Housing (EIH) program when they were homeless and without employment or income. Despite their challenging situation, the couple was highly motivated to move forward. Their goals were twofold – find stable housing and reunite with their adult son.

The EIH program offers participants a small private bedroom and bathroom as well as a community laundry room and kitchen. While in the program, Dan and Elsa participated in self-sufficiency workshops to learn how to build professional resumes and apply for jobs online. They also worked closely with a case manager from nonprofit HomeFirst to help them find job and housing opportunities.

After a few months in the EIH program, Elsa obtained employment and began working full-time while Dan applied for long-term disability benefits, which can be a complex process. This life-changing progress made it possible for Dan and Elsa to obtain an apartment and reunite with their son. They now live in a two-bedroom apartment in Campbell they share with their son. The initial cost of moving into their apartment was made more affordable with the help of a short-term subsidy through the City’s Rapid Rehousing System.

Congratulations Dan and Elsa! Best wishes on the next chapter of your lives!