When Oyuki first connected with Home Start and Light, her Housing Navigator, this young woman carried the weight of the world on her shoulders.
She grew up without stable housing, often unsure where she and her family might sleep next. Still, Oyuki worked tirelessly, often holding down two jobs to support herself and her loved ones.
Then everything changed. After a painful falling out with her family, Oyuki lost her jobs and her home. With nowhere else to turn, she was forced to give up her beloved childhood dog to an animal shelter - the final heartbreak that made her situation feel unbearable.
Not long after, with nowhere to go, she found herself living in a shelter, unsure of what the future might hold. That’s when she found Home Start.
Through our East County Housing Our Youth Program, Oyuki was welcomed into one of our transitional living properties by her Housing Navigator, Light, and Case Manager, Haley. Finally, she had a safe place to rest and regroup.
“She wasted no time,” Light shares. “She started applying for jobs, for EBT - she was determined to stand on her own two feet.”
While Oyuki was resourceful and resilient, Light – alongside Home Start Case Manager Haley, Peer Support Specialist Alexis, and Housing Coordinator Mary - stepped in to provide the extra support she needed. After spending some time in transitional housing, she was matched with Home Start’s Joint Rapid Rehousing Program, which provided financial assistance to help her secure a more permanent home.
Finding the right apartment wasn’t easy. Many landlords were hesitant, but one was willing to listen. “It helped that I could speak to Oyuki’s character,” Light shares. “She’s hardworking, responsible, and completely committed to her own success.”
With that reassurance, the landlord agreed, and Oyuki got her new apartment. Since moving in, Oyuki’s life has blossomed. She found a new job, continues to look for more opportunities to grow, and, perhaps best of all, was reunited with her childhood dog from the shelter.
She now enjoys a loving but healthy relationship with her family and takes pride in her independence.
“Oyuki’s capable of so much,” Light reflects. “All she needed was that little boost of support—the roof, the stability, the belief that she could make it. Now she’s thriving, and she truly deserves it.”
Watch Light share the story of Oyuki below. In the video, Oyuki is referred to as Pearl.