Harbor Stories

Real Patients. Real Stories. Real Care.

Abraham Finds Hope, Housing and Employment at Harbor Care

Abraham was born in Mexico, but when he was two years old his parents brought him over to the United States without any documentation. For the most part, Abraham lived a normal life growing up in Los Angeles—going to school, playing with friends, and spending time with family. After graduating from high school, Abraham began working in construction and acquired skills as a roofer.

READ MORE about Abraham Finds Hope, Housing and Employment at Harbor Care

Juan Reunites with His Family After Being Separated for 19 Years

Juan is a Guatemalan national who has been in the U.S. for 19 years. In 2004, Juan and his wife made the very difficult decision for Juan to go to the U.S. to find work to support his wife, their two young sons, and their baby that was on the way. Juan found work as a tile setter and construction specialist, staying wherever he could, while sending his earnings back home.

READ MORE about Juan Reunites with His Family After Being Separated for 19 Years

Marine Veteran Had More Fight Left in Him

John is a Los Angeles native who was born “on the other side of the hill” and spent much of his time enjoying the beach. In his earlier days, John served in the Marine Corps, stationed in Japan and in Hawai’i before venturing back to Los Angeles. It would be here, where for the next few decades John would set up a simple yet fulfilling life with his longtime girlfriend.

READ MORE about Marine Veteran Had More Fight Left in Him

Michael Recovers from Fall and Finds His Footing at Harbor Care

Michael grew up in Watts and graduated from Jordan High School. He attended Southwest Community College and worked in security and in warehouses. He had two kids, but one had passed away. He never recovered from the loss of his child.  Michael has shuffled between the streets and prison and hasn’t had his own apartment since 2002. 

READ MORE about Michael Recovers from Fall and Finds His Footing at Harbor Care

Fernando Was Blindsided by a Car but Hasn’t Lost Vision for a Better Life

Fernando was born in Mexico and has been in the U.S. for about 30 years. He has one adult son that he hasn’t seen much since he and his wife separated. Over the years, he has worked in restaurants and in a plastics factory. He had lost his job and had been homeless for a while.

READ MORE about Fernando Was Blindsided by a Car but Hasn’t Lost Vision for a Better Life

Dubravny Cheats Death Again and Again, Embraces a Peaceful Path Forward

Dubravny was born in Indiana. His mother brought him to California when he was two years old. He got involved in gangs and drugs as he got older.. “I kind of fell in love with the streets. I thought that’s how life was supposed to be. Fast life, money, women, drugs,” recalled Dubravny.

READ MORE about Dubravny Cheats Death Again and Again, Embraces a Peaceful Path Forward

Harbor Care Goes the Extra Mile to Get Ryoji Home to Japan

Ryoji was a successful businessman in the music industry, but nobody knew how he ended up at the hospital without any ID or a home address. When the time came to leave the hospital, no family was found to take him in. Ryoji was referred to Harbor Care and our case management team got to work on solving his case.

READ MORE about Harbor Care Goes the Extra Mile to Get Ryoji Home to Japan

Mario Makes a Dramatic Recovery at Harbor Care

Mario was born in East L A and grew up in Whittier. His parents worked hard and provided a good home for him and his brother and sister. Mario has had some stretches of homelessness since 2016 that he attributes to some lapses in judgement on his part.

READ MORE about Mario Makes a Dramatic Recovery at Harbor Care

Being homeless in the Cold and Rain Almost Ended Sandra’s Life

Sandra grew up with her brother and sisters in Mission Hills. Her twin sister was the outgoing one. Sandra was the quiet one and lived in her shadow. Sandra has struggled with an addiction to drugs and alcohol for most of her life.

READ MORE about Being homeless in the Cold and Rain Almost Ended Sandra’s Life

Sign up for more success stories and Harbor Care Foundation updates.