August 5, 2024

The Power of Faith & Love

As an artist, social activist, and kind soul, ECS Uptown Safe Haven (UTSH) resident Faith is filled with joy and hope thanks to your generous support. 

However, the Faith you see today is not the same person you would have met last November when she arrived at UTSH.  

Originally from South Carolina, Faith moved to Washington, DC, in her 20s, where she built a successful career as a sous chef. During this phase of her life, she started her gender-affirming transition and witnessed her self-confidence flourish as she embraced her true identity. 

Then, suddenly, her life took a sharp turn when she experienced a violent act by a family member, triggering a period of debilitating depression. “I could not work in kitchens anymore, which was the love of my life,” she shared. “I lost everything — my house, car, friends, everything.” 

She attempted to get back on her feet by accepting a job offer in San Diego, but when she arrived, she discovered the offer to be a scam, leaving her without income or shelter.  

Experiencing homelessness and having no support system, her downward spiral continued as she faced persistent violence while living on the street, including being beaten and left for dead. 

While recovering at the hospital, Faith was fortunate to connect with a therapist who helped her secure a place at the ECS Uptown Safe Haven. This crucial intervention provided the stability she needed to change her trajectory, a testament to the impact of your support.  

Continue reading about Faith’s journey with ECS Uptown Safe Haven  

About ECS
ECS provides $38 million in health and human services in the areas of homelessness, mental health, substance use disorder treatment, and early childhood education across 23 locations to more than 7,000 clients in the San Diego region.

For more information, contact Adrienne Wilkerson, Communications Director, at awilkerson@ecscalifornia.org.