PROVIDING ESSENTIAL AND NEXT-STEP SERVICES TO RESTORE HOPE AND HELP END HOMELESSNESS IN HOUSTON
Lives Changed
Nothing is more rewarding than witnessing the transformation of someone's life as they progress through the services that are available at The Beacon.
Below are just a few of the most recent success stories from people whom we have had the pleasure to work with, and who have seen their lives dramatically impacted.
Roberto
Roberto Lagomarcino had no idea where to go for help. He became a naturalized citizen when he was in his twenties in New Jersey. Subsequently, he became estranged from his family and moved to New Orleans where he worked for years as a bartender. Around Spring of 2020, he was robbed of his wallet, which had all proof of his identity including his ID and Social Security card. He made his way to Houston to seek assistance and was living under a bridge near downtown Houston for about a year before he heard about the Beacon Law program through the United Way 211 Helpline.
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The Beacon Law team prepared the application for his replacement certificate of naturalization. USCIS documents were delayed in mailing and Mr. Lagomarcino missed his first biometric appointment. His attorney called USCIS and after advocating on his behalf, they re-issued another appointment date. Much to his attorney’s surprise, two months later in early 2024, the naturalization certificate arrived (the average processing time is typically 5-7 months). Mr. Lagomarcino was ecstatic. He made quick work of getting his social security card and his state issued identification. He came back to the office to thank us and graciously allowed us to take his picture to show how things had turned around. Mr. Lagomarcino is now employed and has secured stable housing.
John
John's* journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when determination meets the right support. John first started coming to The Beacon after someone in the community told him that the organization could help with housing and other essential needs. At the time, John was sleeping at Moody Park, when not in a shelter.
He received a pre-navigation referral for our Navigation team to assist in gathering documentation necessary for a housing referral. While he was waiting on his housing referral, John participated in our Thriving in Place (TIP) class at The Beacon. He stated that the class was very informational and meaningful, as it helped him learn about resources and other services like Beacon Law and, most importantly, kept him engaged and hopeful.
Thanks to his determination and the guidance he received, John successfully transitioned into permanent supportive housing in April 2024. Shortly after securing housing, he obtained employment at a bakery near his apartment, setting the foundation for long-term success and independence. A quote he hopes will resonate with others on a similar journey is, "Never give up on yourself." It's a simple yet powerful reminder to hold on to hope, even in the hardest moments.
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*Name changed for anonymity
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LaSonda
LaSonda entered the Brigid’s Hope program in 2023. Throughout her time, she engaged consistently with case management, employment support, and educational planning. The client was an active participant in all scheduled sessions and demonstrated a high level of motivation and commitment to their personal growth. She was a model resident at New Hope Housing and a great peer for other Brigid’s Hope participants. Staff provided support in the form of career coaching, resume development, job placement assistance, housing navigation, and educational planning.
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In September 2024, LaSonda applied for a position as a treatment specialist with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) system. She was initially discouraged and felt like the position was beyond her reach due to past mistakes, but after jumping through many hoops, she was offered the position! In addition to maintaining employment, LaSonda enrolled at Houston Community College (HCC) and is actively pursuing a credential as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC).
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With the support of Brigid’s Hope and her own initiative, the client secured permanent housing. She graduated from the Brigid’s Hope program in December 2024. She was not able to make graduation due to a prior commitment to complete work training but she was proudly represented by her mentor, mother, and niece.
Daniel
In October 2024, after a relapse left Daniel* homeless again, he returned to The Beacon for help. Previously stable and sober for five months, Daniel faced the challenges with homelessness and unemployment. He approached the Client Engagement Specialist (CES) in the Day Center in November after his wallet was stolen, leaving him without ID and unable to access employment or necessary resources. The CES acted quickly to connect Daniel to temporary ID assistance through the Houston Police Department Homeless Outreach Team, which resulted in a job opportunity.
Daniel was hesitant about receiving mail at The Beacon in order to receive his permanent state-issued ID, but the CES was able to build trust and he eventually registered for mail services. A week or so later, when Daniel encountered a health issue and was hospitalized, he returned to the Beacon in early December, seeking trusted support. The CES team again helped him connect with a relative and set up a lifeline for him. Daniel shared, “I trust the people here. They’re the only ones who have consistently helped me through everything.” While his journey is ongoing, our services, combined with Daniel's determination, have helped him move forward on his path to long-term stability.
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*Name changed for anonymity
Keeya
When Keeya was enrolled in The Beacon Day 1 Diversion program, she was living at a youth shelter after being evicted from her last residence. She had previously been exited from a Rapid Rehousing program and was not able to cover her rent. She was able to establish employment as a restaurant manager while living at the emergency shelter.
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We provided her with short-term transportation assistance to maintain her employment and assisted her with locating a second chance property that would accept her with the eviction on her record.
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Keeya moved into her new apartment in October 2024 with her partner and their 1-year-old child, and the program continued assisting with groceries and rent for three months to ensure the family could restabilize. The family also received furniture assistance and a Welcome Home Basket through CFTH. Keeya was able to figure out her own transportation and maintained her employment throughout the transition period.
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Upon exiting the program in December 2024, she was already able to set aside money for January rent and was saving up money for a new addition to their family. We were recently in touch with the family and they have continued to maintain stable housing.
Jennifer
For two years, Jennifer* experienced homelessness sleeping on the streets and in her car. She was stuck in a cycle of domestic violence. In March 2024, Jennifer received a housing referral, but she was hesitant about moving forward due to a broken lease from 2020. With the help of the CE team who completed her assessment, assisted in collecting all of her necessary documentation, and advocated for her to be accepted by a property despite her broken lease, Jennifer was finally housed towards the end of July 2024 into a permanent supportive housing program.
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*Name changed for anonymity
