Building a Future

With her five children grown and leading successful lives, Leslie is focused on her dream of becoming a caterer and feeding homeless individuals.

Ten years ago, Leslie was on the brink of homelessness, struggling to keep a roof over her family’s heads.

She lost her job and her car, and wasn’t able to pay her rent – until she began to receive Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance from the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC).

On August 15, 2013, Leslie attended her first orientation at the SDHC Achievement Academy.

She was directed to the SDHC Achievement Academy when she received a hardship exemption from the minimum rents under SDHC’s Path to Success program.

On October 1, 2013, she enrolled in the Family Self-Sufficiency program.

Often bringing her breakfast, lunch or dinner with her, Leslie attended job fairs and workshops at the SDHC Achievement Academy for financial education, résumé writing, interview skills and computer training.

Within 30 days, she had landed a job with a parking company.

She also completed her General Education Development through the High School Diploma Program at Educational Cultural Complex, which operates off-campus programs through San Diego City College.

On July 31, 2015, she received her certificate from the Culinary Arts and Bakeshop Program from San Diego Continuing Education. She began studying general education and culinary arts at Grossmont College in August 2015.

Today Leslie’s children are proud of what she has accomplished, and she is grateful to SDHC.

“From the CEO to the security guard, it helped me to better myself – self-esteem most of all.”