From the Streets to Stability: JC’s Journey to Safe Housing

For more than a decade, JC lived without stable shelter, navigating homelessness while struggling with substance use and mental health challenges. Despite the barriers she faced, her path began to change when she connected with Pioneer Human Services’ Supportive Housing Specialist Chailah Garbarino.

Chailah, who works on our Foundational Community Supports (FCS) housing team within Pioneer’s Community Integration division, began working with JC in January 2025. At the time, JC had been chronically homeless for over 10 years, largely living on the streets while managing complex behavioral health needs.

“After our initial intake, I could still see so much hope in JC,” Chailah shared. “She just wanted someone strong by her side.”

Together, they secured a placement for JC at an Oxford House in Lake Stevens, where she lived for three months. During that time, Chailah provided consistent support as JC worked to stabilize and engage with mental health services.

However, setbacks followed. Struggling with isolation and after stopping her prescribed medication, JC’s mental health declined. She was asked to leave the house and eventually returned to living outdoors, staying in a tent in the woods near Stanwood. During this period, she also lost contact with Chailah.

Months later, JC reconnected. She had entered a transitional housing program, Rafiki House in Snohomish, where she began participating in counseling, group sessions, and classes focused on mental health. While she valued the program, her stay was short-term, and she soon faced her only option – returning once again to live in the tent in the woods.

“JC then spent about six months living outside,” Chailah said. “When we reconnected, we had an in-depth conversation about her options and what she needed to move forward.”

Determined to find a permanent solution, Chailah explored new opportunities. Drawing on a past FCS success placing a client at Andy’s Place, a permanent supportive housing program in Everett, she advocated for JC to be considered. At the same time, she worked to secure a Community Behavioral Health Rental Assistance (CBRA) voucher to cover rent, as JC had no income—removing a major barrier to housing stability.

Chailah arranged a tour, though JC initially felt overwhelmed when she went in the empty apartment.

“I reminded her that she deserved to be safe, warm, and housed,” Chailah commented. “When she turned on the hot water in the shower, everything changed. She hadn’t had a warm shower in so long. In that moment, it became real—this could be her home.”

The team at Andy’s Place welcomed JC and moved quickly to approve her application. Chailah remained by her side through every step, from signing the lease to receiving her keys, and even helping move her belongings into her new apartment.

“It was incredibly moving,” Chailah shared. “When JC said she was finally going to ‘just stay home,’ we both cried.”

Today, JC is safely housed in Snohomish County. She is back on her prescribed medications and continuing her recovery with stability and support.

“I can confidently say she is in a much better place,” said Chailah. “She has a home—and a future.”