16th Annual St. Joseph the Worker Benefit Concert

After facing severe health challenges, Brent was unable to work, leading to overwhelming hospital bills and eventually homelessness. He persisted, remaining hopeful despite numerous setbacks, and continued to apply for jobs with the help of an employment specialist at St. Joseph the Worker. On December 15th, Brent finally secured employment.

Though relieved to secure employment, Brent currently lives at a men’s shelter and faces the barrier of having no access to a car. He ended up walking over an hour home after his late-night shifts, as the bus lines were closed by then. When SJW provided Brent with a bicycle to address this obstacle, he was grateful beyond measure and felt a wave of optimism as he realized his life was finally taking a positive turn.

As Brent’s health improved and he settled into his new job, he found himself eager for even more opportunities to thrive. Brent embarked on a quest for additional employment to further improve his financial situation with the continued support of a SJW employment specialist. After a series of interviews, Brent landed a job as a bus driver at Keolis, an SJW preferred business partner. He saw a significant increase in his hourly wage to $21 per hour and was offered access to benefits with his new position. Despite his new role, Brent continues to pick up occasional shifts from his previous job in order to save money and move out of the men’s shelter.

With reliable transportation now at his disposal, Brent realized he no longer needed his bicycle. Recognizing the struggles of his fellow shelter residents, he decided to pass on his bike to a friend who faced similar transportation challenges, spreading the blessings that had come his way. As Brent looks to the future, he eagerly anticipates the next chapter of his journey towards self-sufficiency. With plans to transition out of the men’s shelter and into SJW Workforce Villages—a three-month transitional housing program designed to provide support and education on personal finance and food budgeting—he feels a renewed sense of hope and determination.

With the unwavering support of SJW and his own resilience, Brent is ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. As he continues his journey to stability and self-sufficiency, he does so with gratitude in his heart and a newfound sense of empowerment, knowing that he has the tools and support needed to build a brighter future for himself.