Patricia, her mother Brenda, and her one-year-old son Jeremiah became homeless after Patricia lost her pension due to a VA error. They spent time living in their car and motels before finding shelter at Illumination Foundation’s La Mesa Emergency Shelter and later at Theriault House Family Emergency Shelter. Throughout this time, Patricia worked long shifts at UPS, while Jeremiah struggled with developmental delays, not speaking as expected for his age. Through the foundation’s Children and Families Program, Jeremiah began to thrive, meeting all developmental milestones by the time they left the shelter. With her VA benefits reinstated, Patricia continues working at UPS, and the family recently moved into their own apartment, with ongoing support from Illumination Foundation to ensure their success.
