Overcoming Impossible Barriers with Charisse King

Charisse King found herself at WeHOPE at The Monarch, our non-congregate shelter in San Francisco. She was without a home and in constant pain from her right leg. Her paperwork for housing wasn't complete, and her medical situation needed immediate attention. Through it all, Charisse continued to move forward, working with case managers and seeking medical assistance.

At first, staff considered sending Charisse to a shelter because finding her housing quickly seemed difficult. But after learning about her serious health conditions and life-limiting illness with a prognosis of about two years, her case managers knew they needed a better solution.

The team refused to settle. They joined forces to fight for what Charisse truly needed—permanent supportive housing that offered dignity, medical care, and stability. This path demanded persistence and coordination between various service providers, housing programs, and medical teams.

Throughout this process, Charisse showed remarkable fortitude. Her treatment schedule was grueling: weekly therapy sessions lasting six hours each, plus daily treatments Monday through Friday. Despite the physical toll, she stayed engaged with her care team, met every requirement, and kept her focus on finding housing.

The combined efforts paid off. Charisse moved into a permanent apartment with nursing support, complete with her own bathroom and kitchen—basic amenities that provided both practical help and a sense of dignity. This wasn't just a roof over her head; it acknowledged her fundamental worth as a person.

During her time at the Monarch, Charisse often expressed thanks for the care and belief her case managers showed her. Her care team’s refusal to settle for less changed the course of her life.

Charisse King's experience shows how dedicated advocacy can overcome impossible barriers, and that when service providers go the extra mile, lives are transformed.

You can help create more success stories like Charisse's. Your donation provides essential support to individuals facing homelessness and serious health challenges. Every contribution helps pave the way for people like Charisse to find dignity, medical care, and stability through permanent supportive housing.