Aaron's Story
Before entering HART’s housing, I was living in my car in Folsom for about a year while working for Uber Eats as much as possible.
At the same time, I was applying at other places and trying my best to get out of the situation. Even though it was very hard finding more work, after a long job search, I obtained steady employment back in July. Sind then, I have been working on the essential steps necessary to reach my goal of becoming self-sustainable.
The advantage of having a home provided by HART, combined with a steady income through my job, has drastically improved my life.
Plus, HART’s case manager is on her game and points me in the right direction. Hope for the future is certainly more positive than it has been in a long time. I continue to find success in reaching small goals while utilizing available tools and resources generously offered to me by HART.
Here are some examples of steps taken while being with HART:
Opened a legitimate checking account with a reputable bank
Invested a significant part of my wages in a savings account and plan to increase the balances as much as possible.
Expanded my social circle with co-workers.
Reaped the benefits of having some extra income to actually go seek more joy in life.
New foods, dates, social outings, etc.
Feeling more comfortable with a better attitude and decent clothes thanks to my new job.
Used part of my saved income to fix my car so it is drivable. For now, I only use it to commute to work.
1. New tire $100
2. Spark plugs $55
3. Replaced both headlights and one brake light $80
4. Oil change $60
5. New ignition switch which was preventing my car from starting $150.
Gained a new hobby of riding E scooters throughout trails all around Sacramento.
Worked on the next steps to find more permanent residence with the help of HART’s case manager.
Invested in minor hobbies like mini-plants, art, gaming for occasional entertainment.
Honed my kitchen skills/knowledge, which I not only enjoy but further widens the circle of potential for growth, whether it be here at this current job or finding better pay/benefits.
In conclusion, I have had success with HART. The program has given me the advantage to rise up and take action, to prepare myself for self-sustainability. May savings continue to climb while I do my best to avoid any unnecessary spending. I am truly humbled to be blessed with a chance most are not given and am dedicated to using any time I have left to further ease the transition of integrating myself back into the working class.
